Causes of Hair Loss in Women: Prevention

Hair loss affects many women, with 40% having visible hair loss by age 40 and 80% by age 60. Under healthy conditions, this issue should not occur, at least not to a significant extent. Hair loss can be a symptom of many internal and external factors. In this article, we dive into the causes of hair loss in women.

Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss in women can be distressing and can stem from various underlying causes, one of which is iron deficiency. Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions, including hair growth. Understanding how iron deficiency contributes to hair loss can help women address this issue more effectively.

Iron's Role in Hair Health

• Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all body parts, including the scalp.
• Oxygen delivered by hemoglobin is vital for the energy production needed to regenerate, restore, and repair hair follicles.
• Without sufficient iron, hair follicles may not receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients, leading to weakened hair growth and increased hair loss.

Impact of Low Iron Levels

• Women with low blood cell count, hemoglobin, or iron levels are more prone to experiencing hair loss.
• Iron deficiency can result in conditions like anemia, exacerbating hair thinning and loss.
• Addressing iron deficiency through diet or supplements can improve hemoglobin levels and potentially reduce hair loss.
• Iron deficiency is a significant but often overlooked cause of hair loss in women. By recognizing the importance of iron in maintaining healthy hair growth, women can take steps to ensure they receive adequate iron through their diet or supplements. Consulting with healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial for effectively managing hair loss related to iron deficiency.

What Medication Causes Hair Loss in Women?

Medications can be a common but often overlooked cause of hair loss in women. While these drugs are prescribed to manage various health conditions, their side effects can impact hair health by interfering with energy generation and nutrient delivery to the scalp. Understanding which medications contribute to hair loss and exploring natural alternatives can help mitigate this issue.

Cholesterol Medications

• Statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol levels, can contribute to hair loss by affecting the body's energy production and nutrient absorption.
• These medications may inhibit the synthesis of Coenzyme Q10, a vital nutrient for cellular energy and hair follicle health.
• Patients experiencing hair loss while on statins should discuss potential alternatives or supportive supplements with their healthcare provider.

Blood Pressure Medications

• Certain antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, have been linked to hair thinning and loss.
• These medications can reduce blood flow and nutrient delivery to the scalp, negatively impacting hair growth.
• Women experiencing hair loss from blood pressure medications may benefit from consulting their doctor for alternative treatments.

Heart Medications

• Medications like anticoagulants and antiarrhythmics can cause hair loss by disrupting normal hair growth cycles.
• These drugs can lead to telogen effluvium, a condition where hair prematurely enters the resting phase and subsequently falls out.
• Discussing side effects with a cardiologist can help identify strategies to manage hair loss while maintaining heart health.

Cortisone and Corticosteroids

• Long-term use of cortisone and other corticosteroids can lead to hair thinning due to their impact on hormonal balance and immune function.
• These medications can suppress hair follicle activity and reduce hair growth.
• Exploring alternative anti-inflammatory treatments with a healthcare provider can help mitigate hair loss risks.

Anti-Fungal Medications

• Some anti-fungal drugs that treat infections can interfere with hair growth by impacting nutrient absorption and cellular function.
• Medications like ketoconazole and itraconazole have been reported to cause hair loss in some individuals.
• Monitoring hair health and discussing potential side effects with a physician can help manage this issue.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is well-known for causing significant hair loss due to its aggressive action on rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles.
• This type of hair loss, known as anagen effluvium, is often temporary, but it can be distressing for patients.
• Consulting with oncologists about scalp cooling techniques and other supportive measures can help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.

How Do Thyroid Hormones Affect Hair Loss?

The main factor in hair growth is the direct action of thyroid hormones on hair-producing cells to stimulate the laying down of hair fibers and promote new hair growth. Many women are diagnosed with low thyroid function or hypothyroidism. Additionally, various extents of low thyroid function may not be severe enough to be diagnosed as such, but they still result in insufficient active thyroid hormones to stimulate hair growth.

Linking Low Thyroid Function and Hairloss

The active thyroid hormone T3 is produced from the pre-cursor T4, produced by the thyroid gland at the front of the neck. T4 is made from the amino acid tyrosine, provided by dietary protein. Tyrosine binds four iodine atoms to form T4, which is then converted to T3 by an enzyme that is activated by the mineral selenium.

The thyroid hormone's primary role is to initiate energy production in every cell. When thyroid function is low, various symptoms can develop. These symptoms include low energy levels, feeling cold, weight gain, sluggish digestion, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin. Being aware of these symptoms can help evaluate and identify low thyroid function when blood test results appear normal.

Insufficient iodine or selenium can hinder the formation of thyroid hormones. Excellent sources of dietary iodine include seaweed, cod, tuna, dairy, potatoes, and strawberries. Selenium is abundant in Brazil nuts, fish, seafood, meat, eggs, and spinach.

Another significant cause of low thyroid function is excessive stress. The stress hormone cortisol interferes with the production of the thyroid hormone T3. While there are many causes for stress and various strategies to address each stressor, vitamin C, B6, niacinamide, magnesium, and medicinal plants such as Rhodiola rosea can reduce stress hormones and help improve thyroid function. Environmental toxins, such as mercury, gluten intake, and goitrogens (substances that block iodine) present in raw cruciferous vegetables (kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts) can also contribute to low thyroid function. Cooking these vegetables thoroughly may remove goitrogens.

The Bottom Line

Some of the causes of hair loss in women include iron deficiency, medications, low thyroid function, stress, and environmental toxins. Silica and biotin are two supplements that may potentially help to combat the cause(s) of hair loss in women by supporting collagen production and strengthening hair follicles. Healthy Planet offers high-quality supplements like Nanton Nourishing Waves and GNA Naturals Bamboo Silica to address hair loss and promote healthier hair.