Female hair loss is not the same as male hair loss – even if some of the causes are similar. Women differ in hormonal levels and other metabolic processes, which tend to result in differing types of hair loss.
Women – like men – can have hair loss due to hormonal imbalance. The key hormone that directly affects hair follicles is DHT. DHT stands for Dihydrotestosterone. DHT is a male sex hormone that is present in both men and women. In fact, DHT is a normally occurring metabolite of testosterone. However, it is a more potent male, and it has much greater affinity for male hormone receptors than testosterone has.
The problem arises when DHT interferes with normal functions, including hair growth.
DHT compromises the nourishment of follicles, by blocking the receptor sites on the follicle and starving it. In the end, the hair follicles shrink and the hair gets finer and finer until there is no hair at all. This is called miniaturization, and is the process behind 95% of hair loss. The women who lose the most hair will be the ones who are predisposed to producing the most DHT.
You can fight DHT directly at the hair follicle. Topical products such as SureThik Shampoo and Serum will deliver natural ingredients to control DHT and nourish hair.
Other hormones that affect hair loss and growth are thyroid hormones. Women are typically more prone to thyroid issues than men. Whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive, hair loss can result. Thyroid disease can be easily diagnosed with blood tests.
Most women know that their head of hair is particularly luxurious during pregnancy. Unfortunately, nature catches up later, as hair that has stayed in the growing phase then drops out by entering the resting phase. This usually happens a number of months after the baby’s birth. Similarly, changes in hormonal status associated with menopause also tend to affect hair and increase hair loss.
It isn’t just hormones that affect hair. Anemia can result in excessive hair loss. Women often have greater issues with maintaining enough iron in their bodies, due to the strains of menstruation, pregnancy and lactation. When iron stores are too low, hair loss will result. This kind of hair loss is best diagnosed by a simple blood test to ensure that iron levels are optimal.
Women often become anemic when dieting. Dieting itself – especially severe dieting, which also results in potential deficiencies of essential nutrition – can lead to hair loss. Hair requires essential fatty acids, adequate protein, and minerals like zinc. Without key nutrients, dieting women may find that they are sacrificing their hair for a slimmer body. This is another place where nourishing topical products can help to restore the health of hair follicles.
