Question: What causes hair loss in menopausal women? Is it a hormonal imbalance?
Dr. Hibberd’s answer:
Hair loss in women is not usually caused by hormone imbalance. The most common cause of loss of hair in women is traction alopecia from braiding and tying their hair back. Most women can correct the problem by letting their hair hang without braiding it.
The next most common cause of hair loss is damage from heat, dryers, permanent treatments, and coloring/decoloring agents that physically damage the hair. Other causes can include medications, illnesses, stress, and medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.
Pregnancy may bring slight temporary hair changes to some, and genetics can play a role in female hair loss. Scalp hygiene is important and topical Rogaine is approved for use in women with thinning hair.
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