HAIR THINNING IN WOMEN:

Hair thinning is a common concern among women and occur at almost any age.

Seeing more hair on the pillow,noticing a wide hair parting or feeling that your ponytail has become thinner can be early signs of hair loss. while some hair shedding is normal,persistent or progressive thinning should not be ignored.

HAIR THINNING IS A SYMPTOM,NOT A DIAGNOSIS.

CAUSES OF HAIR THINNING:

1.FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS:

Its also called androgenetic alopecia,is one of the most common causes of progressive hair thinning in women.It is usually influenced by genetics and may become more noticeable with age.

Typical signs:

1.widening of the central hair part.

2.Reduced hair density over the crown.

3.Thinning of the ponytail.

4.Gradualreduction in hair volume.

2.TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM:

Telogen effluvium causes increased hair shedding,often appearing a few months after a trigger such as

1. Significant physical or emotional stress.

2.High fever or severe illness.

3.Surgery.

4. Rapid weight loss or crash dieting.

5.Childbirth.

6.Major nutritional defiencies.

It is often temporary,and hair may recover once the underlying trigger is addressed.

3.IRON AND NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES:

Low levels of iron and inadquate intake of protein or certain nutrients can contribute to noticeable hair loss.

4.THYROID DISORDERS:

Treating the thyroid disorder may help improve the hair loss.

5.HORMONAL CHANGES:

Hormonal changes can influence hair growth.Hair thinning may occur around,

1.Pregnancy and the postpartum period.

2.perimenopause and menopause.

3.PCOS.

If hair loss accompanied by irregular periods,increased facial hair or other signs of hormonal imbalance,medical evaluation may be important.

6.TIGHT HAIR STYLE AND HAIR PRACTICES:

Frequent use of tight ponytails,buns,braids or other hairstyle cause Traction alopecia which can result follicular damage.

Excessive heat styling,chemical treatments and hair breakage can also make the hair thinner.

7.SCALP CONDITIONS AND INFECTIONS:

Conditions such as dandruff,psoriasis and scalp infections can cause inflammation,itching and hair shedding.Focal infections of the scalp can produce localized hair loss .

8.ALOPECIA AREATA:

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause sudden , smooth,round patches of hair loss.

9.MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

Certain medications and systemic illnesses can cause hair shedding.

10.SCARRING ALOPECIA:

Some inflammatory scalp disorders can permanently destroy hair follicles.

When should you see a Dermatologist?

1.Hair thinning is persistent or progressively worsening.

2.Your central hair part is becoming wider.

3.Your ponytail has noticeably become thinner.

4.You are experiencing excessive shedding for several weeks or months.

5.You develop sudden or patchy hair loss.

6.You notice scalp redness,scaling,pain,burning or several itching.

7.Hair loss is associated with irregular periods,acne or increased facial/body hair.

8.You have recently experienced significant weight loss,illness,surgery or child birth.

9.There is a family history ofsignicant hair thinning.

10.Concernedabout hair loss .

Hair thinning in women should not simply be dismissed as normal hair fall.

The earlier the cause is identified,the better the opportunity to prevent further hair loss and preserve existing hair.