Hair loss is not the end of a beautiful mane: In most cases, the causes of hair loss can be treated quite easily. Common reasons for hair loss are hormones or a lack of vitamins. Doctors can use a blood count to determine what is wrong with you and how your hair is growing back. Diet also affects your hair. All the facts about hair loss and how to stop it.
Hair loss: the most important things in brief
- It is perfectly normal to lose 50-100 hairs a day. More
- 20% of your hair roots are normally in the dormant phase, only 80% are growing. More
- If you discover light spots or lose hair over a longer period of time, you should seek medical advice to rule out a deficiency. More
- The most common causes of hair loss in women are thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, medication, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin deficiencies, stress, diet and genes. There are different types of hair loss
- With the right diet and other tricks, you can promote your hair growth. There are home remedies
When combing your mane, do you get a fright because so many hairs get caught in the comb? Do n’t hang your head ! Because by no means every hair loss in women is dermatologically relevant. Losing 50-100 hairs a day is quite normal. However, if you notice that the hair is increasing and not growing back as quickly, it could also have medical causes. What causes hair loss and what you can do about it.
How is hair loss diagnosed?
Anyone who notices significant hair loss over a period of more than three weeks or who has already discovered sparse patches should not hesitate to visit a dermatologist at an early stage. The earlier the causes of hair loss are identified, the better they can be treated.
80% of the hair on your head is in the growth phase. The remaining 20% of the hair roots rest. Only when the proportion of active hair falls below 80% do dermatologists speak of hair loss.
This is why women get hair loss
Hormones are responsible for many functions in the body. This also applies to hair growth – but also to hair loss. Your menstrual cycle , pregnancy , contraception or menopause affect your hair growth. Estrogen stimulates hair growth on the head in women. Too little estrogen or too much testosterone can lead to hair loss.
Reasons for hair loss in women can be iron deficiency , infections and stress . But there are also a number of medications that have hair loss as a side effect. Common reasons for hair loss in women are also diseases of the thyroid gland.
What really helps with hair loss?
If you notice hair loss, you should first seek medical advice. A blood test can show if you have a deficiency. Iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin deficiencies are common reasons for hair loss. Thyroid disorders and hormone fluctuations should also be ruled out by your doctor.
Different types of hair loss and treatment
1 Diffuse hair loss: In so-called diffuse hair loss, the hair loss is evenly distributed over the head. The cause of diffuse hair loss is usually an insufficient supply of nutrients to the hair roots – with the result that they wither in the long run, the hair falls out and there is no regrowth.
Possible triggers: physical stress (e.g. infections), stress , medication, general nutrient deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, radical diets .
That helps: Specialists can usually determine the specific triggers for diffuse hair loss and thus initiate targeted treatment. Vitamin and amino acid preparations in particular promote hair growth.
2 Condition-related hair loss: The condition-related (androgenetic) hair loss is the cause of hair loss in around 90 percent of those affected. While men are more likely to get lighter on the forehead and at the back of the head, in women it mainly affects the parting of the head.
Possible triggers: congenital hypersensitivity of the hair roots, too much testosterone, too little estrogen (also during menopause or after childbirth).
That helps: Since this hormone sensitivity is innate, androgenetic hair loss cannot be avoided; However, the treatment options are now diverse. Scalp tinctures with Alfatradiol, Aminexil or Minoxidil are considered to be particularly effective.
3 Circular hair loss : In medicine, circular hair loss is also called alopezia areata. Bald spots that appear suddenly are typical of this form of hair disease. It occurs rarely, which is why its cause is not yet fully known.
Possible triggers: weakened immune system , inflamed hair roots
That helps: In the case of tuft-like hair loss, medical treatment can help in the early stages.
4 Seasonal hair loss: Some women can experience increased hair loss, especially in spring and autumn . However, this hair loss is very mild and does not require treatment.