Illnesses That Cause Hair Loss in Females

illnesses that can cause hair loss in women

Illness that can cause baldness and thinning hair in women

Hair loss in females can be caused by various illnesses and medical conditions. Some common causes of hair loss in women include:

Androgenetic Alopecia

Also known as female pattern hair loss, this condition is the most common cause of hair loss in women. It is genetic and typically results in thinning hair on the top of the head.

Telogen Effluvium

This is a temporary form of hair loss that can be triggered by various factors such as illness, surgery, stress, or medications. It causes a significant number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase and then shed simultaneously.

Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In some cases, it can progress to total hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or the entire body (alopecia universalis).

Thyroid Disorders

Conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can lead to hair loss as they disrupt the balance of hormones in the body.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can lead to excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in some areas and hair loss on the scalp in others due to hormonal imbalances.

Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can result in hair loss because iron is necessary for healthy hair growth. Other nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss.

Scalp Conditions

Certain scalp conditions like fungal infections, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis can cause hair loss if left untreated.

Autoimmune Diseases

Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can lead to hair loss as the immune system attacks healthy tissues, including hair follicles.

Medications

Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, and certain blood pressure medications, may cause hair loss as a side effect.

Emotional Stress

Severe emotional stress, such as grief or trauma, can trigger a condition known as "stress-induced hair loss" or telogen effluvium.

Trichotillomania

This is a psychological disorder where individuals have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair, leading to hair loss.

It's important for women experiencing hair loss to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or hair restoration procedures, depending on the specific cause of the hair loss.

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