Hi everyone, Dr. Paul from Hair Transplants Melbourne. I wanted to walk you through some of the common causes of hair loss in women.
Women can experience male pattern hair loss, and sometimes androgen blockers can be used to treat this condition. In females, this type of hair loss is often found in those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and a hyperandrogenic or high androgen state. In these cases, we typically aim to reduce the levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which gives the hair follicles a better chance to grow.
Metabolic disorders can also cause hair loss. For example, an underactive thyroid—or even an overactive thyroid—can lead to excessive hair shedding. Additionally, vitamin D or iron deficiencies are critical factors that can contribute to hair loss. It’s important to check these levels to ensure they’re within a healthy range.
Another cause of hair loss in women is traction alopecia. This condition occurs when hair is pulled too tightly, especially when it’s tied back into a ponytail. The constant tension can damage the hair follicles, particularly around the hairline, leading to hair loss in that area. This is typically known as traction alopecia.
