While there are any number of underlying causes for hair loss that affect women, the vast majority of cases can be attributed to one of two conditions. Sometimes these two conditions overlap with both of them contributing to an individual's noticeable hair loss.
The most common cause is called female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It is a chronic, progressive hair loss that can start at any age and presents as progressive thinning of the hair, particularly at the top and front of the scalp. The cause is not entirely clear but is believed to be multifactorial, including possibly genetic predisposition and hormonal factors. The earlier medication is begun the better likelihood of slowing progression and seeing regrowth.
The other common hair loss condition is called telogen effluvium (TE). The condition is characterized by an increase in the amount of shedding that one normally experiences. The condition represents the early release of hairs that are in the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. It's typically brought on by some sort of trigger event. Most commonly this happens after childbirth with about 30-50% of postpartum women experiencing it. Other potential triggers include major life stressors, hospitalization, illness (e.g., COVID), surgery, and certain medications.
TE also has a specific chronic form that typically affects women 30-60 years of age. There is no identifiable trigger to the increased hair shedding for chronic TE. It can run a course over months and years with the shedding fluctuating in terms of severity. Even if it's been going on for years there is no progressive change in density that is noticeable to an observer, but the individual affected may note decreased volume.
EOS Health offers access to medication for both of these hair loss conditions.