Medical Conditions Behind Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss can be stressful and confusing, especially for women who often associate it with cosmetic or surface issues. While reasons like stress or improper hair care products are common culprits, the truth is that medical conditions are frequently at the root of unexplained or persistent hair fall. Left unchecked, these conditions can worsen, but with the right information, treatment, and care from a trusted hair specialist in Pune, you can make significant progress toward healthy hair.

This guide is designed to empower you with insights into the medical reasons behind hair loss and actionable steps to manage and prevent it effectively.

Hair loss among women is often tied to specific underlying medical conditions. Identifying these early can help you address the issue holistically. Here are the most common culprits and their treatments:

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia 

Iron is crucial for healthy blood circulation and delivering oxygen to your hair follicles. Low iron levels lead to weaker strands, reduced growth, and increased shedding. 

Symptoms to Notice: 

• Excessive hair fall 
• Brittle, weak strands 
• Fatigue, dizziness, or paleness 

Prevention and Solutions: 

• Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach, methi (fenugreek), lentils, jaggery, and lean meats into your diet. 
• Vegetarians can add vitamin-C-rich foods such as citrus fruits alongside iron sources for better absorption. 
• Consult a doctor for necessary blood tests (haemoglobin, serum ferritin). Supplements can be prescribed as needed. 

2. Stress-Induced Hair Loss (Telogen Effluvium) 

Stress, whether caused by a traumatic event or chronic lifestyle pressures, pushes hair follicles into the resting phase, leading to a noticeable increase in hair fall within two to three months.

Common Triggers: 

• Severe illness recovery (typhoid, dengue, COVID-19) 
• Emotional or mental stress (divorce, grief) 
• Post-pregnancy or surgical recovery 

Prevention and Solutions: 

Adopt stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or journaling to keep cortisol levels in check. 

Focus on a balanced diet with protein, zinc, and antioxidants to support regrowth. 

Remember, telogen effluvium is temporary—hair growth should resume within six months if triggers are addressed. 

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 

PCOS often causes elevated androgen (male hormone) levels in women, shrinking hair follicles, and triggering hair thinning.

Accompanying Symptoms: 

• Oily scalp or acne 
• Scalp thinning and hair fall 
• Irregular periods or weight gain 

Prevention and Solutions: 

Lifestyle changes like maintaining a low-glycemic-index diet and regular exercise help manage PCOS effectively. 

A dermatologist may recommend hair-specific anti-androgens, medications, or topical treatments to reduce androgen effects on hair follicles.   

PCOS and Hair-loss

4. Thyroid Disorders 

Thyroid hormones regulate your body’s metabolism and play an essential role in hair growth. Imbalances in thyroid function, whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, lead to interrupted growth cycles.

Signs to Notice: 

Loss of scalp hair, eyebrows, or body hair 

Dry scalp, coarsened hair texture 

Symptoms of fatigue or unexplained weight changes 

Prevention and Solutions: 

Regular thyroid screening (TSH, T3, T4 tests) can diagnose imbalances early. 

Medications and specific dietary changes guided by specialists can control thyroid-related hair fall. 

5. Autoimmune Disorders 

Conditions like alopecia areata, lupus, or psoriasis prompt your body to mistakenly attack hair follicles, leading to patchy baldness, scarring, or thinning.

Common Signs of Autoimmune Hair Loss: 

• Circular bald patches 
• Fragile, brittle strands 
• Scalp scaling or redness 

Prevention and Solutions: 

Steroid injections, immunosuppressants, or topical treatments may be prescribed depending on the condition. 

Early diagnosis through biopsy or blood tests is essential for proactive treatment.

6. Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff 

Seborrheic dermatitis leads to inflamed, oily, and flaky scalps, which disrupt the hair root environment and increase shedding. 

Symptoms of Concern: 

• Greasy, thick scalp flakes 
• Scalp redness and irritation 

Prevention and Solutions: 

• Use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione at least twice a week.
• Seek medical advice for persistent flaking that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter solutions. 

Women often unknowingly worsen hair loss with certain hair care practices or lack of awareness. Here are frequent mistakes and how you can correct them:

1. Excessive Washing or Using Harsh Products

Harsh cleansers strip natural oils, leaving hair brittle. 

Overwashing leads to dry, weak strands. 

Solution: Wash with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo 2-3 times a week and follow up with a hydrating conditioner. 

2. Overuse of Heat-Styling Tools

Hair straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers weaken the hair shaft over time. 

Solution: Minimise heat styling and use heat protectant sprays while styling occasionally. 

3. Ignoring Scalp Build-Up

Product build-up blocks follicles, stunting growth. 

Solution: Employ scalp exfoliation using scrubs or mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)-based treatments to remove buildup and improve circulation. 

4. Tight Hairstyles 

Tying hair too tightly causes traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by constant tension on the scalp. 

Solution: Opt for loose braids or ponytails and avoid overnight hairstyles that pull roots repeatedly. 

If you’re experiencing progressive hair loss despite lifestyle changes, advanced treatments can help tremendously. 

1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy 

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a treatment that uses plasma from your own blood, rich in growth factors, to regenerate follicles and repair tissues. At our HairMD clinic in Pune, we draw a small amount of blood, process it to concentrate platelets, and inject the plasma into targeted areas.

How it Works: 

• Blood is drawn and centrifuged to separate the plasma. 
• This plasma is injected directly into weakened scalp areas. 
• Speeds up growth cycles and strengthens follicles. 

Ideal For: Early-stage thinning and hormonal hair loss. Results improve after 3-4 sessions. 

2. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) 

LLLT uses concentrated light to boost the metabolic activity of hair follicles, increasing their ability to re-enter the growth phase. 

How it Helps: 

Non-invasive therapy stimulates dormant follicles. 

Ideal for genetic or stress-induced thinning when treated early. 

When to Use: Combine it with medications like Minoxidil for enhanced results.

Hydration is Key: 

Dehydration leads to dry scalp and weakened follicles. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to maintain hydration levels.

Nourish from Within: 

Include flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds, and walnuts in your diet for omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients moisturise strands and promote shine. 

Sun Protection Matters: 

Excessive UV exposure makes hair brittle. Wear hats or scarves to protect your scalp when outdoors. 

Weekly Oil Massages: 

Massaging your scalp with natural oils boosts circulation and enhances nutrient delivery to follicles.