Female Hair Loss before Menopause

Female Hair loss is a common and upsetting problem that can have a serious impact on a woman's self-esteem. Understanding female hair loss and knowing how to effectively treat it are essential in controlling this problem and lessening any negative effects on your life. Read on for more information on female hair loss and how to prevent it.

What Is Female Hair Loss Before Menopause?

Female hair loss, also known as alopecia, is characterized by a woman losing more hair than is normal or usual. A strand of hair grows approximately ¼ inch per month, and continues growing for up to 6 years. Normally, when a hair falls out, another one grows in its place. Hair loss occurs when the amount of hair that falls is greater than the amount of hair being regrown.

During perimenopause, the stage before actual menopause begins, some women experience thinner hair or substantial hair loss. However, when hormone balance is restored, it's possible for normal hair growth to begin again.

Uncontrolled hair loss before menopause can affect a woman's confidence and make her feel bad about her appearance. Being aware of what causes hair loss and how to treat it will help you prevent it from affecting you before or during menopause.

What Causes Female Hair Loss Before Menopause?

Hair loss triggers before menopause are often personal and related to a complex set of factors, but there are some common causes. Stress, over-exertion, medication, fatigue, and poor diet can all play a part in female hair loss. However, it's generally believed that physical triggers such as hormonal imbalance are primarily responsible.

Testosterone is the main hair-producing hormone in your body. But the Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone (which is derived from testosterone) is the one responsible for the malfunctioning of hair production in certain areas (especially in the head). However, even though DHT is produced with testosterone, it is actually controlled by estrogen.

Another cause of hair loss before menopause is female-pattern baldness, which is a hereditary condition that can result in moderate to considerable hair loss before menopause.

Click on the articles below to learn about the different hair loss treatments available.