Hair Loss in Young Women

Factors Contributing to Hair Loss in Young Women

Females from puberty on could be affected by androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary disorder in women characterized by thinning hair. Non-hereditary causes of hair loss in young women include iron or zinc deficiencies, hormones, certain medications, and thyroid or liver disease. Also being pregnant, diabetes, contraceptive pills, lupus, chemotherapy, and disorders that affect the reproductive, pituitary or adrenal systems are perhaps other reasons of hair loss. Hair loss in young women could also occur soon after a crash dieting, ailment, high fever and childbirth, Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic discuss that.

The Doctor will need to take a genealogy and family history and execute a physical examination so as to diagnose the root cause of hair loss. The doctor may also demand some laboratory tests. Your doctor may ask if hair loss in young women has happened before in your family, e.g. did others suffer diffuse thinning of hair on the top of the head, or if you’ve got close male family members with baldness. Also, a dermatologist will assess the condition of your scalp skin, and may take hair clippings and fibers to examine under a microscope. The doctor may check androgen levels or require a complete blood count, thyroid screening or scalp biopsy as part of the clinical workup.

What are the Therapies for Hair Loss in Young Women?

It depends on whether hair loss in young women is temporary or hereditary. Non-genetic hair loss can usually be corrected once the underlying cause is treated. Raising iron levels can handle iron deficiency, which is often the cause of temporary hair loss in non-menopausal women. Sometimes young women undergo imbalances of estrogen and testosterone, but once proper hormone levels are gained, hair will grow again.

Hair loss in young women that appears to be permanent means they may have to decide to wear wigs, although a hair transplant operation is another option. The Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education indicates that women have more therapy options than men as doctors often recommend other anti-androgen medicines such as acetate, spironolactone, flutamide or cyproterone to treat female pattern hair loss.

Prevention of Hair Loss in Young Women

Speak to your doctor about possible reasons because hair loss can indicate a health issue. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic suggest eating a balanced diet that includes adequate levels of iron, zinc, protein, calcium and vitamin B to help you avoid hair loss. Additional tips for avoiding hair loss in young women include avoiding styles that bring hair too tight, and keeping your scalp and hair clean, as messy hair is more vulnerable to fungal infections such as scalp ringworm.