The Causes For Hair Loss In Women
Hair loss in women is most common during pregnancy. During pregnancy, an increased number of hairs go into the resting phase, which is part of the normal hair loss cycle. This condition is not serious enough to cause bald spots or permanent hair loss, and should begin to diminish within 3-4 months after delivery. If you feel that you are experiencing unusual hair loss while you are pregnant, this may be due to a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Hair loss really does vary from pregnancy to pregnancy, even with one woman.
Normally, your hair goes between an active growing phase and a resting phase. At any one time, about 90% of the hair on your head is actively growing at a rate of about half an inch a month for two to six years. The remaining 10% are in a resting phase where they will stay for two to three months before falling out. The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place. It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect women and children.
As alarming as it can be to find hair growing in places you’d rather it didn’t grow, usually there is nothing to worry about. While excessive hair growth in pregnancy is similar to hirsutism, it is not the same disorder.
During pregnancy hormone levels return back to normal after the delivery of the baby, hair will return to its normal growth pattern. Because much of your hair will now be coming out of the resting phase, it will likely seem that you’re losing a lot of hair, especially since much of it will appear to fall out at roughly the same time. If you feel that you are losing too much hair or are starting to notice patches of missing hair, though, make an appointment with your health care provider. This could indicate a medical problem or a lack of some vitamins and minerals.
If you are looking for ways to cover up hair loss you might want to think about cutting your hair if you are wearing it really long. The thinning of your hair might be more noticeable if you have long hair, so trim it and maybe ask your hair stylist to put a few chunky layers in to add volume. Also try covering up hair loss by putting your hair up into a ponytail or other hair accessories. Headbands often do a great job of covering up hair loss that is obvious on the scalp. Play with all of these things, or just ignore the hair loss, as it’s usually very temporary! If the hair loss makes you extremely uncomfortable, you can always try some hair loss treatments available easily.
Originally posted 2009-03-11 09:52:09.
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