While hair loss is traditionally an aging problem for men, it is now a reality for a significant number of women and has a significant impact on their self-esteem and quality of life. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the number of women seeking treatments including hair transplants in Brazil increased by 16.5% in one year, showing a growing demand for solutions.
- Mel Maia and Andre Lamoglia’s kiss surprised internet users and caused an uproar on social media. “I’ve never been a coach.”
- Check it out: Virginia Fonseca responds to rumors of crisis with Vini Jr. reveals behind-the-scenes details of their relationship
For hair restoration and transplantation specialist Dr. Leonardo Amarante, it is essential to demystify hair loss and understand that it is almost always a symptom of an internal imbalance. Additionally, experts list the five most common causes of hair loss in women and warn that the solution begins with the correct diagnosis.
According to Amarante, the main cause of hair loss is hormonal changes. “This can also occur after childbirth, during menopause, or when you stop taking birth control pills. This change disrupts the hair cycle and causes the hair to enter a period of severe shedding,” the doctor explains.
Physical or emotional stress then appears as the main trigger for so-called telogen effluvium. “Stress is the second factor. Problems, whether physical or emotional, can lead to what’s called telogen effluvium. It’s as if your body is saying, ‘This is not the time to grow hair, this is the time to survive,'” he warns.
Doctors say another determining factor is nutritional deficiencies. Hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the body and requires nutrient-rich raw materials. “Low levels of iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin all impede hair growth. Therefore, it is essential to have a balanced diet and, if necessary, take appropriate supplements,” points out Leonardo Amarante.
For example, iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia) affects approximately 30% of women of reproductive age in Latin America and is a typical cause of falls.
scalp disease
Scalp diseases form the fourth category of causes and include inflammatory or autoimmune conditions that directly affect the hair follicles. “There are several diseases that can lead to increased hair loss and should be evaluated by a specialist,” says the doctor.
Finally, genetic factors make up the fifth most common cause of male pattern baldness in women. For Leonardo Amarante, this happens when “hormonal factors cause the follicular unit to become smaller, which means the hair becomes thinner.”
In the face of such a complex and multifactorial situation, Amarante emphasizes that today’s advances in hair medicine offer a wide range of solutions. From cutting-edge clinical treatments, such as the use of drugs to stop hair loss, to more advanced treatments, such as hair transplantation itself.
Finally, the expert also warns about the risks of self-medication. “It is important to understand that the treatment is different for each cause, so do not use ‘your friend’s shampoo’ or ‘vitamins you got on the internet’. Hair loss may look the same, but the reasons are different. Consulting a specialist is the first step to successful treatment,” concludes Leonardo Amarante.