Hair loss in women

Healthy hair shines and shows steady growth. Scalp hair normally grows about one-half inch a month. Your scalp normally loses 50 to 100 hairs a day. Hair loss occurs when daily hair loss is greater than 100 hairs or when lost hairs are not re-grown. Ninety-five percent of hair loss from the scalp is due to heredity. Hereditary hair loss in women rarely causes complete baldness. Usually women will have hair loss limited to thinning at the front, sides, or crown. The age at which women begin to lose hair and the speed, pattern and extent of the baldness are also inherited.

Temporary hair loss can result from:

• high fever, illness, or surgery
• certain medications and medical treatments
• seborrhea, fungal, or ringworm scalp infections
• diseases such as diabetes, lupus, and thyroid disorders
• childbirth or post pregnancy changes
• infancy changes
• poor nutrition and
• stress

Improper care of the hair can cause temporary and permanent hair loss. Wearing hairstyles that pull the hair tight (such as pigtails, ponytails, cornrows, or hair rollers) not only can cause breakage and hair loss, but also scar the scalp. When the scalp is scarred, permanent hair loss will result in the area. Hot oil treatments and chemicals used in permanents and hair dyes can cause swelling of the hair follicle, which can result in scarring and hair loss. Temporary hair loss may respond to simple changes in health habits, such as eating a nutritionally sound and balanced diet and changing how you care for your hair.

Proper hair care can help women improve their appearance after hair loss. Keep hair short and conceal thin spots with a layered cut. Use a natural bristle brush. For most women, permanent hair loss and baldness are not medical problems, but rather cosmetic problems.

There are many options to dealing with hair loss. You can:

• use minoxidil (Rogaine) (This is an over-the-counter hair treatment, not a cure, that requires on-going treatment or hair loss will continue.)
• have surgery for a hair transplant or scalp reduction (Learn the risks first.)
• wear a high quality hairpiece
• wear stylish hats and head scarves or
• learn to live with the natural appearance changes

If you have questions or concerns about hair loss, your healthcare provider can help to identify the cause and recommend a treatment specific for your condition.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File GHEA3518.rf2 VRS# 4583 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.