Significance

When hair loss causes bald patches to appear on the scalp, it can reduce a woman's confidence and create concerns about her appearance.

Identification

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that losing 50 to 100 strands of hair each day is normal. If you lose more than 100 strands of hair in one day, you may have a condition that causes excessive hair loss.

Causes

The medical causes of female hair loss include overactive thyroid, underactive thyroid, hormonal imbalances, medications, scalp infections and systemic diseases like lupus and diabetes. Trichotillomania, also known as excessive hair pulling, results in bald patches on the scalp and other areas of the body. Some women experience excessive hair loss three to four months after a serious illness or major surgery, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Corn rows, hair straightening and other harsh styling techniques damage hair and cause it to fall out.

Effects

When a woman loses significant amounts of hair, it can result in bald spots or areas of obvious thinning. Some women use wigs, scarves and hair extensions to cover up these areas.

Treatment

Hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders and other medical causes of female hair loss often improve with medication. Hair loss caused by harsh styling techniques improves when women discontinue these techniques.

Source:

American Academy of Dermatology: Hair Loss & Hair Restoration

American Academy of Family Physicians: Hair Loss and Its Causes