What Causes Hair Loss in Older Women?
Hair loss in older women can be caused by a variety of factors, both genetic and environmental. Some common causes include: 1. **Hormonal Changes**:
As women age, hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause, can lead to hair thinning and loss. 2. **Genetics**:
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, can be inherited from either parent and tends to become more common as women age. 3. **Nutritional Deficiencies**:
Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and zinc, can contribute to hair loss. 4. **Medical Conditions**:
Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and scalp infections can cause hair loss in older women. 5. **Medications**:
Some medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and cancer, can cause hair loss as a side effect. 6. **Stress**:
Chronic stress can lead to hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle. 7. **Hair Care Practices**:
Overuse of harsh chemicals, heat styling tools, tight hairstyles (such as ponytails or braids), and frequent use of hair dyes or perms can damage the hair and contribute to hair loss. 8. **Aging**:
As women age, hair follicles can shrink and produce thinner, shorter hair strands, leading to overall hair thinning. It's essential for older women experiencing hair loss to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options.
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