The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is the hair thinning mostly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of women, but is most seen after menopause, it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is 100-125 hairs per day. Thankfully, these hairs will be replaced. Real hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent’s side of the family.
There are two diverse types of hair loss, medically known as anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is due to internally administered medications, like chemotherapy agents and even radiation that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.
Common causes of Telogen Effluvium are:
Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure, Diabetes, Heart, Thyroid medications, and so many other medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.
When the above causes of telogen effluvium have been reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.