Hair Loss in Women: Comprehensive Overview and Emotional Impact

January 2016

Joseph E. Pizzorno, Michael T. Murray, Herb Joiner-Bey

TLDR The document concludes that hair loss in women is complex, often linked to aging, health conditions, and nutritional deficiencies, and emotional impacts should not be underestimated.

The document from 2016 provides a comprehensive overview of hair loss in women, emphasizing the importance of not underestimating the emotional impact of this condition. It details the physiology of the hair cycle, including the growth (anagen), resting (telogen), and migratory phases, and notes that hair loss is a normal part of aging, with growth slowing by age 40. The hair-pull test is described as a method to determine the percentage of hair follicles in the telogen state, with a frequency of up to 25% being typical. Various causes of hair loss are discussed, including androgenic female pattern hair loss, side effects of drugs, nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, and antigliadin antibodies related to gluten intolerance. The document suggests interventions such as improving blood glucose regulation, increasing antioxidant intake, and considering supplements like saw palmetto extract, vitamins C and E, zinc, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and iron when deficiencies are present. It also mentions the potential role of hypothyroidism and gluten intolerance in hair loss, with the latter possibly leading to alopecia areata. Diagnostic features of celiac disease are also provided, including symptoms and the recommendation for testing for human anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies for greater sensitivity.

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11 / 11 results

research Diagnosing and Treating Hair Loss

36 citations , August 2009 in “PubMed”

The review suggests seeing a dermatologist for scarring hair loss and using treatments like minoxidil or finasteride for common male and female pattern hair loss.

research Low Iron Stores: A Risk Factor for Excessive Hair Loss in Non-Menopausal Women

28 citations , October 2007 in “PubMed”

Low iron levels are linked to more hair loss in non-menopausal women.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovaries in Women with Androgenic Alopecia

84 citations , November 2003 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Women with androgenic alopecia are more likely to have polycystic ovaries and higher androgen levels, which may indicate PCOS.

research Hair Loss, Insulin Resistance, and Heredity in Middle-Aged Women: A Population-Based Study

49 citations , June 2003 in “European journal of cardiovascular prevention & rehabilitation”

Hair loss in middle-aged women is often linked to insulin resistance and a family history of hair loss, particularly from their fathers.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

139 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Androgenetic alopecia in women needs more research and better management strategies.

research Hair Loss in Women with Hyperandrogenism: Four Cases Responding to Finasteride

92 citations , November 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride improves hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

86 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

FPHL is a common, age-related, genetic hair loss with unclear causes and limited treatment options.

research Hair Problems in Women: A 1997 Study on Prevalence, Psychological Impact, and Treatment Approaches

37 citations , January 1997 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Hair problems are common and distressing for women, but increasing knowledge of treatments offers hope.

research Alterations in Androgen Conjugate Levels in Women and Men with Alopecia

24 citations , October 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

People with hair loss may have different levels of certain hormones due to changes in hormone processing.

4 / 4 results

research Hair Loss in Children: A Detailed Overview of Pediatric Alopecia

January 2019 in “Elsevier eBooks”

The most common cause of hair loss in children is tinea capitis, followed by alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

November 2012 in “Skinmed”

The document suggests managing female pattern hair loss by checking and correcting B12, folate, and thyroid levels, and considering an androgen profile if there are signs of excess androgen.

research Characteristic Features of Japanese Women's Hair With Aging and Hair Loss

76 citations , February 2007 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Japanese women typically start experiencing hair loss after 40, with reduced hair density and thickness being the main factors.

research Nonscarring Hair Loss Disorders

3 citations , October 1982 in “Postgraduate Medicine”

Most types of hair loss can regrow naturally, but there are no effective cures for male pattern or age-related hair loss, and only limited options for females.