Hair loss is devastating for anyone. You may go to great lengths to cover up your thinning hair and patches forming on your scalp. Alopecia areata affects men and women; “areata” means patchy, creating noticeable bald spots that can destroy self-confidence. We want to help you feel beautiful again and find a treatment for female alopecia that works.
Before deciding which solution could be most effective, we will address the potential causes of your hair loss.
Top 5 Causes of Alopecia Areata in Women
Genetic Predisposition
Women who carry certain genes carry an elevated risk of developing alopecia areata. Family history is one of the most relevant factors we discuss when helping our patients treat female hair loss.
Autoimmune Factors
Many people treat hair loss as a cosmetic concern, but alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. The body attacks the hair follicles, which causes thinning and balding in patches on the scalp.
Some patients with pre-existing autoimmune problems are more likely to develop alopecia, such as thyroid disorders and psoriasis.
Stress
It can be angering to hear someone say your hair loss is just a matter of stress. How can you not feel stressed when your hair is falling out? The real reason stress causes hair loss is the hormone cortisol. Although the underlying mechanism is unknown, the belief is that high cortisol levels disrupt the immune system, leading to alopecia areata symptoms.
Hormonal Imbalance
Fluctuations in hormones can impact your hair, especially the hormone estrogen. This is why many women find themselves developing female alopecia after going through pregnancy or menopause. When estrogen levels are low, the hair becomes thinner.
With lower estrogen levels, the body also experiences an increase in androgenic hormones, which shrink hair follicles.
Environmental Factors
Women exposed to certain environmental triggers may develop alopecia areata. These include viral pathogens, allergens, and toxins. The exact reason some people develop alopecia is still unknown but genetic factors may contribute. When exposed to certain environmental triggers, genes can mutate, causing a wide range of inexplicable symptoms, including female hair loss.
Treat Hair Loss in Boca Raton, FL
It’s time to reclaim your confidence from alopecia. Our team of dermatologists and physician assistants will help find the cause of your hair loss and recommend the best treatment options available.
Please call Rendon Center for Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine at 561-750-0544, or book an appointment with your preferred provider on our contact page.
