Most women experience hair loss during middle age, and here's why...
Most women generally start experiencing thinning hair as they enter their 40s. In fact, over half of the female population will likely experience some form of hair loss by the age of 40.
There is no cure for hair loss, so this is a problem that isn't about to go away any time soon. However, despite the lack of a cure, there are some treatments on the market that can help slow down hair loss, and support the function of healthy hair growth.
But before we look into treatment options, let's first take a look at the causes of hair loss in women in their 40s, and beyond. Hair loss in women, particularly in their 40s and 50s, can stem from various factors. Here are some common reasons:
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormones, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can lead to hair thinning or loss. Estrogen, a female sex hormone, contributes to hair health by promoting growth and prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle.
However, during perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels decrease, while androgen levels, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), may remain constant or increase. DHT, in particular, can shrink hair follicles, leading to shorter, finer hair and eventual hair loss in a pattern similar to male pattern baldness.
Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and hair growth. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause hair to become brittle, dry, and prone to breakage, leading to thinning or loss. Conversely, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can accelerate the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding.
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. High cortisol levels can interfere with the hair growth cycle, causing hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase prematurely and resulting in increased shedding.
Insulin resistance, commonly associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can lead to elevated levels of insulin and androgens in the bloodstream. This hormonal imbalance can contribute to hair thinning and male-pattern hair loss in women with PCOS.
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, has a strong genetic component. It's the most common cause of hair loss in women and is characterised by a gradual thinning of hair, primarily on the top of the scalp.
Stress-induced hair loss in women, known as telogen effluvium, is a common condition characterised by excessive shedding of hair due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle.
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Under normal circumstances, approximately 80-90% of scalp hairs are in the growth phase, while the remaining 10-20% are in the resting phase. Stress, whether physical or emotional, can trigger a larger number of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding and noticeable thinning of the hair.
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. High cortisol levels can interfere with the hair growth cycle by pushing more hair follicles into the resting phase. Additionally, stress can affect hormone levels related to hair growth and maintenance, such as thyroid hormones and sex hormones, further contributing to hair loss.
Prolonged or severe stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to autoimmune conditions that affect hair follicles, such as alopecia areata. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to sudden and patchy hair loss.
Stressful situations may also prompt changes in behaviour that can contribute to hair loss, such as excessive hair pulling (trichotillomania) or scalp rubbing. These behaviours can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair breakage or loss.
Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, protein, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (such as zinc and biotin) can impact hair health and lead to thinning or loss.
Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these nutrients, either through food sources or supplements if necessary, can support overall hair health and reduce the risk of hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before starting any supplementation regimen, especially if you suspect a nutrient deficiency or are experiencing hair loss.
Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and hair growth. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause hair to become brittle, dry, and prone to breakage, leading to thinning or loss. Conversely, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can accelerate the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding.
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. High cortisol levels can interfere with the hair growth cycle, causing hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase prematurely and resulting in increased shedding.
Insulin resistance, commonly associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can lead to elevated levels of insulin and androgens in the bloodstream. This hormonal imbalance can contribute to hair thinning and male-pattern hair loss in women with PCOS.
Genetics
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, has a strong genetic component. It's the most common cause of hair loss in women and is characterised by a gradual thinning of hair, primarily on the top of the scalp.
The inheritance pattern of female pattern hair loss is complex and can be inherited from either parent or both. Genetic susceptibility to hair loss is influenced by multiple genes, including those involved in hormone regulation, hair follicle sensitivity to androgens (male hormones), and hair growth cycle regulation.
In genetically predisposed individuals, hair follicles on the scalp may be more sensitive to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a potent form of testosterone. DHT binds to androgen receptors in the scalp, leading to miniaturization of hair follicles, shortened hair growth cycles, and progressively thinner and shorter hair over time.
The age at which female pattern hair loss begins and the rate of progression can vary among individuals and is influenced by genetic factors. While some women may start experiencing hair thinning in their 20s or 30s, others may not notice significant hair loss until their 40s or later.
Women with a family history of female pattern hair loss are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Patterns of hair loss in close female relatives, such as mothers, grandmothers, or sisters, can provide clues to genetic predisposition.
In genetically predisposed individuals, hair follicles on the scalp may be more sensitive to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a potent form of testosterone. DHT binds to androgen receptors in the scalp, leading to miniaturization of hair follicles, shortened hair growth cycles, and progressively thinner and shorter hair over time.
The age at which female pattern hair loss begins and the rate of progression can vary among individuals and is influenced by genetic factors. While some women may start experiencing hair thinning in their 20s or 30s, others may not notice significant hair loss until their 40s or later.
Women with a family history of female pattern hair loss are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Patterns of hair loss in close female relatives, such as mothers, grandmothers, or sisters, can provide clues to genetic predisposition.
Stress
Stress-induced hair loss in women, known as telogen effluvium, is a common condition characterised by excessive shedding of hair due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle.
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Under normal circumstances, approximately 80-90% of scalp hairs are in the growth phase, while the remaining 10-20% are in the resting phase. Stress, whether physical or emotional, can trigger a larger number of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding and noticeable thinning of the hair.
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. High cortisol levels can interfere with the hair growth cycle by pushing more hair follicles into the resting phase. Additionally, stress can affect hormone levels related to hair growth and maintenance, such as thyroid hormones and sex hormones, further contributing to hair loss.
Prolonged or severe stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to autoimmune conditions that affect hair follicles, such as alopecia areata. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to sudden and patchy hair loss.
Stressful situations may also prompt changes in behaviour that can contribute to hair loss, such as excessive hair pulling (trichotillomania) or scalp rubbing. These behaviours can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair breakage or loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, protein, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (such as zinc and biotin) can impact hair health and lead to thinning or loss.
During periods of stress, the body may prioritise the allocation of nutrients to essential functions, potentially leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and proteins necessary for healthy hair growth. Inadequate intake of nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, and protein can exacerbate hair loss in women experiencing stress.
Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these nutrients, either through food sources or supplements if necessary, can support overall hair health and reduce the risk of hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before starting any supplementation regimen, especially if you suspect a nutrient deficiency or are experiencing hair loss.
They can help identify any underlying nutritional imbalances and provide personalized recommendations for improving hair health.
Hair loss in women can be caused by various medical conditions, ranging from hormonal imbalances to autoimmune disorders.
Several medications can potentially cause hair loss in women as a side effect. While not everyone will experience hair loss when taking these medications, it's essential to be aware of the possibility.
Various chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer can cause hair loss, including both scalp hair and body hair. Hair loss may occur gradually or rapidly after starting treatment and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the specific drugs used.
Certain antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can sometimes cause hair loss as a side effect. This may include drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and amitriptyline (Elavil).
Some anticoagulant medications, including heparin and warfarin, have been associated with hair loss in some individuals, along with beta-blocker medications used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. These may occasionally cause hair loss as a side effect. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and metoprolol (Lopressor).
Certain anticonvulsant medications used to treat epilepsy and other neurological conditions can sometimes cause hair loss. Examples include valproic acid (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Hormonal medications such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can sometimes cause hair loss as a side effect, particularly in women who are genetically predisposed to hair loss or who have underlying hormonal imbalances.
Isotretinoin (Accutane), a medication used to treat severe acne, is known to cause hair thinning or hair loss in some individuals. And statin medications used to lower cholesterol levels, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor), have been reported to cause hair loss as a rare side effect in some people.
Excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles (like ponytails or braids), and chemical treatments (such as bleaching or perming) can damage the hair and contribute to breakage or thinning. However, most hairstyling methods do not cause hair loss at the root. Certain ways of hairstyling can simply worsen an already existing hair loss problem.
As women age, their hair naturally becomes finer and may lose density due to changes in the hair follicles and decreased production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour.
The best treatment options for female hair loss after 40 depend on the underlying cause and individual factors such as overall health, genetics, and lifestyle. Once you identify what is causing the hair loss, it can hen be treated accurately.
There are several specialist hair supplements formulated specifically to address hair loss in women. These supplements often contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and botanical extracts that are believed to support hair health and promote growth.
Medical Conditions
Hair loss in women can be caused by various medical conditions, ranging from hormonal imbalances to autoimmune disorders.
As already mentioned, thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and hair growth. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can both cause hair thinning and loss. In hypothyroidism, hair may become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, while in hyperthyroidism, hair loss may be more diffuse.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder characterised by imbalances in sex hormones, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. Excess androgens can lead to symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair) and female pattern hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterised by sudden and patchy hair loss. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the scalp and, in some cases, other areas of the body.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the skin and hair. Lupus can cause a variety of skin and hair-related symptoms, including hair loss, scalp rash, and thinning of the hair.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder characterised by imbalances in sex hormones, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. Excess androgens can lead to symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair) and female pattern hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterised by sudden and patchy hair loss. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the scalp and, in some cases, other areas of the body.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the skin and hair. Lupus can cause a variety of skin and hair-related symptoms, including hair loss, scalp rash, and thinning of the hair.
Medications
Several medications can potentially cause hair loss in women as a side effect. While not everyone will experience hair loss when taking these medications, it's essential to be aware of the possibility.
Various chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer can cause hair loss, including both scalp hair and body hair. Hair loss may occur gradually or rapidly after starting treatment and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the specific drugs used.
Certain antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can sometimes cause hair loss as a side effect. This may include drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and amitriptyline (Elavil).
Some anticoagulant medications, including heparin and warfarin, have been associated with hair loss in some individuals, along with beta-blocker medications used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. These may occasionally cause hair loss as a side effect. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) and metoprolol (Lopressor).
Certain anticonvulsant medications used to treat epilepsy and other neurological conditions can sometimes cause hair loss. Examples include valproic acid (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Hormonal medications such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can sometimes cause hair loss as a side effect, particularly in women who are genetically predisposed to hair loss or who have underlying hormonal imbalances.
Isotretinoin (Accutane), a medication used to treat severe acne, is known to cause hair thinning or hair loss in some individuals. And statin medications used to lower cholesterol levels, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor), have been reported to cause hair loss as a rare side effect in some people.
Hairstyling Practices
Excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles (like ponytails or braids), and chemical treatments (such as bleaching or perming) can damage the hair and contribute to breakage or thinning. However, most hairstyling methods do not cause hair loss at the root. Certain ways of hairstyling can simply worsen an already existing hair loss problem.
Age
As women age, their hair naturally becomes finer and may lose density due to changes in the hair follicles and decreased production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair colour.
Best treatment options for female hair loss after 40
The best treatment options for female hair loss after 40 depend on the underlying cause and individual factors such as overall health, genetics, and lifestyle. Once you identify what is causing the hair loss, it can hen be treated accurately.
Here are some common treatment approaches for managing hair loss in women after the age of 40:
Topical Minoxidil 2% (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is a topical medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of female pattern hair loss. It is available over-the-counter in various strengths and formulations. Minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles, prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle, and increasing hair thickness. It is typically applied directly to the scalp once or twice daily.
Although minoxidil can be effective is reducing hair loss, and supporting hair growth, results do tend to be minimal, and the medication is usually more effective when used as part of a treatment plan.
Prescription Medications
In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medications such as spironolactone or finasteride to help manage female pattern hair loss. These medications work by blocking the effects of androgens (male hormones) on the hair follicles and may be particularly effective for women with signs of androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness).
Caution is advised with any type of medication, as they do come with the risks of negative side-effects. Speak to your doctor before using any medications.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets derived from the patient's own blood into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate hair growth and improve hair density. PRP therapy is often used as a non-surgical treatment option for female pattern hair loss.
PRP has become a popular treatment in recent years, but its exact effectiveness is still unknown. More tests and studies are needed in order to establish the effectiveness of PRP for hair loss. This treatment is also expensive, costing between £800-£1000 per session.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT, also known as red light therapy or cold laser therapy, involves using low-level laser devices or combs to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. LLLT is a non-invasive treatment option that can be performed at home or in a clinical setting.
Much like PRP, this treatment has not shown to be hugely effective for most people, but more studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of the treatment.
Nutritional Supplements
Supplementing with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that support hair health may help improve the condition of the hair and scalp. Common supplements for hair loss include biotin, iron, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.
Scalp Treatments
Certain scalp treatments, such as topical corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory shampoos, may help manage scalp conditions such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, which can contribute to hair loss.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral shampoo) has been shown to help treat hair loss, particularly when used in conjunction with topical solutions like minoxidil or Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) serum. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) shampoo has also been shown to help minimise thinning hair.
Specialist Hair Supplements
The most effective specialist hair supplement on the market is HR23+. With continued use, HR23+ can help minimise the effects of thinning hair, and support the function of healthy hair growth. Over 9 out of 10 female HR23+ users reported visible improvements in their hair within three months.
Hair Transplantation
In cases of advanced or permanent hair loss, hair transplantation surgery may be considered. During a hair transplant procedure, hair follicles are harvested from areas of the scalp with healthy hair growth and transplanted into balding or thinning areas.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist/trichologist to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Combination approaches, incorporating multiple treatment modalities, may be most effective for managing female hair loss after 40.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist/trichologist to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Combination approaches, incorporating multiple treatment modalities, may be most effective for managing female hair loss after 40.
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