Hair Loss in Women: What’s Normal and When to See a Dermatologist

Before you panic about lumps of hair falling out in the shower, it's important to know what's considered normal versus unusual. Like how leaves fall when seasons change, the scalp goes through a natural cycle where you lose some strands and new hairs emerge from the same follicles. However, some cases of hair fall can be concerning and carry unnecessary anxiety. Understanding the differences between problematic hair loss in women and routine hair shedding is key to maintaining a healthy crowning glory.

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1. Is Hair Loss in Women Normal? Understanding Daily Shedding
2. Common Causes of Female Hair Loss
3. When to Be Concerned: Signs It’s More Than Normal Shedding
4. When to See a Dermatologist for Hair Loss
5. Treatment Options for Female Hair Loss
6. Why Choose a Dermatologist at Altitude Dermatology?
7. Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone, and Help Is Available
8. Hair Loss in Women FAQs 

It's normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs every day. This is part of the natural hair growth cycle that consists of four stages: 

• 1. Anagen or the growing phase: The hair actively grows for 2-8 years. About 85%-90% of the hairs on your head are in this stage. 
• 2. Catagen or the transition phase – It’s a brief 2-week period where 1%-3% of scalp hair follicles shrink, and growth slows. 
• 3. Telogen or the resting phase: This lasts two to three months when hairs stop growing but don't fall out yet. About 9% of the hairs on the head are in this stage. 
• 4. Exogen or the shedding phase: Hairs detach from the scalp, shedding 50 to 100 strands daily. Simultaneously, new hairs emerge from the follicles.

Some degree of hair loss in women is expected, but it becomes concerning if it exceeds typical amounts and is accompanied by other symptoms.

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Hair loss often happens due to combined genetic, hormonal, medical, and lifestyle factors.

Genetic Predisposition 

Some women are predisposed to alopecia or female pattern baldness. Hair around the crown and center of the scalp thins, leaving round patches of bare skin. Alopecia is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, stopping them from growing hair. Fortunately, it doesn’t permanently damage the follicles, leaving room for hair to regrow. Your risk of developing alopecia increases if it runs in the family.

Hormonal Imbalances

Many hormones control the hair cycle, growth, and density. Periods of significant hormonal fluctuations, such as menopause, where the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases, can lead to hair loss. 

Stress and Emotional Trauma 

Telogen effluvium is a common condition that results in hair loss, triggered by psychological stress, thyroid conditions, and infections. It commonly affects women between the ages of 30 and 60. Acute cases often resolve on their own, but some may progress to chronic telogen effluvium lasting over six months.

Medications 

Certain medications can disrupt normal hair growth cycles, leading to temporary hair loss. These include antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and chemotherapy agents. 

Nutritional Deficiencies 

You may also lose a few strands if your body lacks key nutrients. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss in women. Iron carries oxygen-rich blood to the follicles to help them grow hair. Inadequate mineral supply can weaken hair strands and increase shedding. 

In addition to iron, deficiencies in the following vitamins and minerals can contribute to hair thinning in women.

• Vitamin A
• B Vitamins (B₂, B₃, B₇, B₉, and B₁₂)
• Vitamin C, D, and E
• Selenium 
• Zinc

Scalp Conditions 

Infections, such as scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), seborrheic dermatitis, and folliculitis, damage the follicles, leading to patchy hair loss or, in some cases, complete baldness. 

Understanding why hair is falling out in women is the first step in identifying the root cause of the problem and getting a precise diagnosis. 

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Occasional hair shedding can happen to anyone, but how do you distinguish normal hair shedding vs. hair loss associated with a medical cause? Here are some signs it's time to worry about scalp health.

• Shedding more than 100 strands consistently
• Visible female hair thinning at the crown
• Hair falling out in clumps, noticeable after combing or washing
• Bald patches at the center of the scalp
• Associated scalp symptoms like flaking, itching, and redness
• Sudden hair loss after taking a new medication
• Hair loss that induces distress and makes you withdraw from others

Consult a hair health specialist if you notice any of these warning signs. They can evaluate what’s causing the issue and develop a personalized treatment plan that works. 

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Early intervention can help prevent permanent damage to the follicles. Don't wait too long before getting professional help. Here's when you should see a hair and scalp expert for an examination.

• Hair loss has persisted despite using at-home remedies for months
• Over-the-counter products like minoxidil haven't prevented further hair loss
• Hair loss is accompanied by symptoms of menopause or thyroid issues
• Hair thinning is sudden and severe, accompanied by flaking, redness, and itchiness in the scalp
• Overwhelming stress is causing hair to fall out
• You have a history of female pattern hair loss

How do dermatologists diagnose the root cause of hair loss? The assessment often includes: 

• Asking common questions, such as when hair loss started
• Medical and family history review to determine if there's a genetic component to the problem
• Scalp examination to look for signs of scaling or inflammation
• Hair pull test to measure the severity of hair loss
• Potential blood work to check for nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune markers, and other conditions that may cause it

Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

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Treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause. Your doctor may recommend the following options: 

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1. Topical Solutions

Liquid or foam minoxidil is the most suggested treatment for encouraging hair regrowth. It's available over the counter, but higher dosages require a prescription. 

2. Oral Medications

In severe cases, oral minoxidil in low doses may be prescribed if topical solutions don’t work. Spironolactone is a prescription drug that has been proven to improve hair loss by 56% in females with androgenetic alopecia. Hormonal therapy, including certain contraceptives, may be recommended for women with hormone-related hair loss. 

3. Procedural Therapies

Microneedling, platelet-rich plasma injections, and low-level laser therapy are some options that promote hair regrowth by stimulating the dormant follicles. 

4. Nutritional Supplementation

Taking supplements is an effective treatment if hair loss is caused by a deficit of specific vitamins or minerals, such as iron, zinc, or vitamin D. Your doctor will recommend supplements based on your blood test results.

5. Hair Care and Lifestyle Adjustments

Your dermatologist may ask you to make changes to your hair care habits if they cause hair loss, such as switching to gentle hair care products and avoiding heat styling. 

Treatment approaches are personalized and tailored to your specific condition. Sometimes, your doctor may combine two or more methods to holistically address hair and scalp problems. 

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Choosing the right specialist is the first step in resolving your hair concern. At Altitude Dermatology, our team of skilled dermatologists and staff combines compassionate care with clinical expertise to address hair loss comprehensively.

Why Choose Us?

• Board-certified dermatologists with years of specialization in hair disorders and various skin problems
• Friendly and skilled physician assistants who can support you throughout the treatment
• Proven track record of successful treatment outcomes
• Personalized and holistic treatment plans designed for your unique needs
• Accept most insurance plans, including Medicare

We understand the emotional toll of hair loss and are committed to helping you restore both your hair and your confidence.

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Hair loss in women can result from genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and various health-related factors. Fortunately, effective treatments are available, ranging from topical solutions to oral medications and procedural therapies that include lasers. 

The first step for a successful treatment is to find a skilled dermatologist who can accurately diagnose and tailor a treatment plan based on your needs. Working with experienced professionals — like our dermatologists at Altitude Dermatology — can improve your chances of regrowing your hair and regaining confidence. Remember, hair loss is treatable with the right care team supporting you.

Ready for answers? Schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist in Northern Colorado to evaluate your hair loss and explore treatment options.