Hair Loss In Women
Causes & Treatment
Hair loss can have a profound impact on a woman’s self-esteem and quality of life. There are several causes of female hair loss, including genetic factors, hormonal factors, autoimmune diseases and stress. In addition, the condition is closely related to androgens — male sex hormones that are also present in women at lower levels.
Testosterone (a type of androgen) is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles, resulting in a shorter hair growth cycle and smaller and thinner hair follicles. Over time, this causes progressive hair thinning and, ultimately, hair loss.