Hair loss in women is typically caused by genetic female pattern hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, thyroid disease, aging, or other hormonal conditions. About one-third of women will experience hair loss in their lifetime. If you are losing your hair, your doctor may recommend some of the following treatments to prevent further hair loss.

11 factors that may trigger hair loss:

1. Hormones, such as abnormal levels of androgens  

2. Heavy period related anemia which results in loss of iron can consequently lead to hair loss.

3. Genes may influence a person's predisposition to female pattern baldness.

4. Stress, illness, and childbirth can cause temporary hair loss.

5. Ringworm caused by a fungal infection can also cause hair loss.

6. Medications and chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment, blood thinners, beta-adrenergic blockers used to control blood pressure, and birth control pills can cause temporary hair loss.

7. Physical damage. Burns, injuries, and X-rays can cause temporary hair loss. In such cases, normal hair growth usually returns once the injury heals, unless a scar is produced.  

8. Autoimmune disease may cause alopecia areata when the immune system affects the hair follicles.  

9. Cosmetic procedures. Frequent shampooing, bleaching, perms, and dyeing hair can contribute to overall hair thinning by making hair weak and brittle. Tight braiding, using rollers or hot curlers, and running hair picks through tight curls can also damage and break hair. In most instances hair grows back normally if the source of the problem is eliminated. Still, severe damage to the hair or scalp sometimes causes permanent bald patches.

10. Diseases. Thyroid disease, lupus, diabetes, eating disorders, and anemia can cause hair loss. Most times, when the underlying condition is treated, the hair will return unless there is scarring as in some forms of lupus, lichen planus or follicular disorders.

11. Nutrition. A low-protein diet or severely calorie-restricted diet can also cause temporary hair loss.

What to do?

See your doctor for recommendations, there are some specific meds that can help you prevent hair loss, and they may prescribe you anti-androgen medications, oral contraceptives, and iron supplements, especially if your hair loss is connected to anemia or heavy menstrual cycles.

4 effective lifestyle remedies for hair loss

If you’re concerned about hair loss, you may want to try a home remedy to see if you can stop your hair from falling out. It’s important to get diagnosed and find the underlying cause of your hair loss, so that you can treat it appropriately.

Healthy diet

Your nutrition has a direct effect on your hair. Nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss. Iron, zinc, niacin, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12 supplements can help your body produce hair that’s strong and healthy.  

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help fight the signs of oxidative stress — environmental factors that damage hair follicles. Strawberries, blueberries, beans and legumes, spinach, and kale are all sources of antioxidants.

Sugar, processed fats, preservatives, and alcohol can all contribute to oxidative stress.  

Essential oils

Essential oils can be mixed with carrier oils like jojoba and almond oil to create a treatment to stimulate hair growth. Some essential oils might make your hair grow stronger. Some essential oils for hair growth are ginseng, peppermint, jatamansi, and chinese hibiscus.

Massage your scalp

Promote circulation in the area where your hair grows. This may help it grow more quickly if you gently massage it every time you wash your hair.

No smoking

Smoking can prematurely age your hair cells, making your hair follicles brittle and easy to damage. Speak to your doctor to come up with a smoking cessation plan right for you.