Female hair loss is usually attributed to the following factors:
- Hormonal disorders (alterations in hormonal levels).
- Pregnancy, with signs appearing during the postpartum period.
- Menopause.
- Scalp diseases or disorders.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
- Heredity.
- Contraceptive pills (usually in women with heredity) or hormonal treatments.
- High fever.
- Strenuous emotional shock or stress- psychological, physical, post operative.
- Severe diets, malnutrition (Lack of protein, vitamins, trace elements, mineral –mainly iron).
- Anemia.
- Excessive amounts of vitamin Α.
- Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism).
- Several illnesses, e.g. diabetes, eczema, dermatitis or other dermatological diseases.
- Chronic illnesses.
- Chemotherapy, radiations.
- Medicines–antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, anti cholesterol pills, blood pressure medicines, diuretics, contraceptives, anti thrombosis medicines etc.
- Traumas.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Fungal & bacterial infections (e.g. tineacapitis).
Hair health can be aggravated by outer factors as well
- Exposure to polluted or dusty environment.
- Excessive attrition during brushing or combing.
- Chemical hair treatments.
- Inappropriate or insufficient hair care.
- Excessive exposure to UV rays.
- Repeated contact with sea or chlorinated water, even with rain.
- Smoking.
For more information on hair loss, you can read about Alopecia.