What causes severe hair loss in women?

Nov 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, severe hair loss in women may be caused by hormonal changes, excessive stress, irregular lifestyle, iron-deficiency anemia, seborrheic alopecia, etc. Treatment options include general management and medication. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate sleep, reduce stress, regularly clean the scalp, and avoid excessive pulling or tension on the hair.

Generally, severe hair loss in women may be caused by hormonal changes, excessive stress, irregular作息 (lifestyle routines), iron-deficiency anemia, seborrheic alopecia, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Hormonal Changes

During physiological stages such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, women experience fluctuations in hormone levels, which may lead to increased hair shedding. For hair loss due to hormonal changes, it is important to first adjust lifestyle habits, ensure adequate rest, and maintain a healthy diet.

2. Excessive Stress

Long-term psychological stress or sudden intense emotional fluctuations—such as heavy workloads or family conflicts—can also exacerbate hair loss in women. Stress reduction is key; relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation may help.

3. Irregular Lifestyle Routines

Chronic disruption of sleep schedules can affect the body's endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances that interfere with the hair growth cycle, resulting in significant hair loss. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, going to bed early, waking up early, and ensuring sufficient sleep are recommended.

4. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia results from long-term unbalanced diets in women, causing insufficient iron levels, reduced hemoglobin synthesis, and impaired blood supply to the scalp and hair follicles, leading to severe hair loss. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and pale complexion. Patients may take medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, dextran iron tablets, or ferrous fumarate tablets under medical guidance.

5. Seborrheic Alopecia

Seborrheic alopecia is associated with excessive androgen secretion, leading to overproduction of scalp oil, clogged hair follicles, and impaired hair growth, resulting in severe hair shedding. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as scalp itching and increased dandruff. It is recommended to use medications such as finasteride tablets, spironolactone tablets, or ketoconazole shampoo under a doctor’s supervision.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, reduce stress, regularly cleanse the scalp, and avoid excessive pulling or tension on the hair.

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