Although hair loss is often thought of as being a man’s problem, hair loss in women on Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn is more common than you might think. There are many potential causes of hair loss in women, including unmodifiable factors such as a woman’s family history and treatable causes such as medical conditions. When you visit a hair loss clinic, a physician can help you explore the possible causes of your thinning hair and your treatment options.
Family History
One of the most common causes of hair loss among women is hereditary hair loss, or having a family history of the condition. Female pattern baldness is a type of hair loss that typically develops gradually. It’s possible to inherit female pattern baldness from either side of your family. If you have female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, you’ll likely notice that you have an area of thinning hair just above your forehead.
Medical Conditions
Hair loss is often the result of medical conditions. Women may develop hormonal imbalances caused by conditions such as thyroid disorders. Autoimmune disorders can also cause hair loss. For example, alopecia areata refers to patchy hair loss that develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly treats the hair follicles as if they were foreign invaders. Some women may develop hair loss after contracting an infection of the scalp, such as ringworm. Other skin disorders may lead to scarring alopecia. These can include sarcoidosis, lupus, and lichen planus. Another medical condition that may result in patchy hair loss is trichotillomania. This is a disorder in which the individual has an irresistible urge to pull out the hair from the scalp or other areas.
Medications
Sometimes, medications are the culprit. One well-known type of medication that can cause hair loss is chemotherapy. However, medications used to treat arthritis, high blood pressure, heart problems, and depression may also cause hair loss, as can birth control. It’s important not to discontinue any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.