What to Know About Women's Health and Hair Loss

Sporadic thinning and shedding can be extremely upsetting in regards to women's health. Even though women’s hair loss is common, early onset and quick progression is alarming. No matter your age, noticing these physical changes could leave you wondering if there’s a deeper issue to address.

Everyone loses around 50 to 100 strands per day, so most of the time, a crammed hairbrush or clogged shower drain is nothing to stress over. If you have particularly curly, thick or dark locks, lost strands are more apparent on your clothes and throughout the home. But if you notice a definitive shift compared to your average hair loss – it might be time to talk to your physician.

Women's Health Conditions that Cause Hair Loss

The following medical conditions contribute to abnormal hair loss:

  • Thyroid Disorder (underactive or overactive)
  • Menopause
  • Diabetes
  • Lupus
  • Anemia
  • Ringworm
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Stress
  • Poor or Inadequate Nutrition

Hair loss is sometimes a primary indicator of one or more of the underlying illnesses above. In these cases, thinning and shedding are merely symptoms of a broader condition that requires additional medical intervention. Therefore, we recommend hair loss patients be proactive by undergoing diagnostic screening administered by a qualified physician first and foremost. Because disease goes beyond the follicle, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) alone can’t help treat internal health problems. Even hair loss brought on by emotional trauma, a temporary condition referred to as Telogen Effluvium (TE), should be addressed with mental health counseling to avoid recurrence. Hair loss isn’t always an aesthetic problem, and Capillus® encourages all patients to better their health both inside and out.

Don’t let the possibilities worry you too much. Forty percent of women in America experience hair loss at some point or another and, for many, it’s a biological result of the aging process. Female pattern hair loss(FHPL), a form of androgenetic alopecia, is one of the leading causes of thinning and shedding in women. It currently affects about 30 million American women and is not considered a hazard to women’s health and wellbeing, physically speaking.

Typically, patients with FHPL see thinning around the crown and a widening part. Generally, female pattern hair loss is hereditary and often appears in patients between 40- and 60-years old.¹ FHPL is common after menopause, likely due to the major shift in hormones. Unless treated with low-level laser therapy or another means, FHPL will continue to progress, often becoming obvious and discomforting.

If you believe your hair loss is due to female pattern hair loss and not related to a hidden women's health concern, Capillus® laser therapy can help. We offer three versions of at-home laser devices that put you in control of your healthcare. With FDA-clearance, patients can rest easy knowing ongoing hair loss management is both safe and effective. Our discreet design minimizes feelings of shame and embarrassment while putting you on the right track toward self-esteem. For more information on purchasing options, call us at 844-280-4680 or check out our laser device comparison chart.

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