Alopecia is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows; resulting baldness. Just by that definition, you’d know why Will Smith got defensive about Chris Rocks insensitive joke towards his wife who apparently is suffering from that ailment in which he gave Chris a resounding Oscar award winning slap. We don’t support violence but that’s not why I’m here. I’m here to set out four causes of Alopecia in women.
Before getting into the cause of Alopecia, Alopecia in women has been found to have significantly affect self-esteem, psychologic well-being, and body image of a woman.
Family history (heredity)
The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns, like a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair along the crown of the scalp in women. Androgenic alopecia can be genetic, and it’s also hormonal.
Extreme physical stress or shock to your body
This causes temporary hair loss. This category includes events like losing a lot of weight, surgery, anemia, illness and having a baby or even mental illness, the death of a loved one, and so on. This type of hair loss is called Telogen effluvium where hair sheds I’m excess and this can happen suddenly as a result of stress.
Hairstyles and treatments.
Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot-oil hair treatments and permanents also can cause hair to fall out. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.
Thyroid Issues
According to an article by WEBMD published on the 18th of November, The thyroid is a neck gland that controls metabolism related hormones where both low and overactive thyroid can trigger alopecia. You should Ask your doctor about a thyroid test if your hair loss is accompanied by: Unexplained weight changes, High or low energy, Menstruation changes or menopause.
It is advisable to See your doctor if you are distressed by persistent hair loss in you or your child and want to pursue treatment. For women who are experiencing a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia), talk with your doctor about early treatment to avoid significant permanent baldness.
Also talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss when combing or washing your or your child’s hair or yours. Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
