Hair loss in women: causes, treatment and prevention

Hair loss affects many women worldwide and can have various causes. From hormonal changes to genetic factors, there are many reasons why women suffer from thinning hair. This article highlights the most important aspects of hair loss in women and offers helpful tips and solutions to promote hair growth and maintain hair quality.

Reasons for hair loss in women

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes are the main cause of hair loss. These can be caused by pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, or discontinuing the birth control pill. After childbirth, many women experience significant hair loss, especially during breastfeeding. Women over 40, i.e., from the beginning of peri-menopause, also experience this. The cause is hormonal changes – which in these phases are often caused by strong fluctuations or by a drop in certain hormones.

Advice from expert Stefanie Wirnshofer, hair expert and founder of ONNI:

“If hair loss is hormonally induced, the cause should first be clarified with a doctor. Sometimes, two or three different factors come together that need to be treated differently. Is the thyroid correctly regulated? Has the iron level been checked? For typical hair loss during breastfeeding or at the beginning of peri-menopause, daily therapy with ONNI Follicusan is very successful. PRP treatment, an autologous blood treatment, is also very useful; three treatments are ideal, but only after pregnancy and breastfeeding.”

Genetic factors: Androgenetic alopecia

What is androgenetic hair loss?

Androgenetic hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common form of hair loss in women and men. This hair loss is genetically determined and occurs due to an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

How does androgenetic hair loss develop?

Androgens are male hormones that are also present in small amounts in the female body. In women with androgenetic alopecia, the increased sensitivity of hair follicles leads to a shortening of the hair's growth phase (anagen phase). This causes:

Miniaturization of hair follicles: Hair follicles shrink and produce thinner and shorter hairs.
Shortened hair lifespan: Hair falls out faster and is no longer completely replaced.

Typical features

In women, androgenetic hair loss usually manifests as a general thinning of the hair in the part area, while the hairline at the forehead usually remains intact.

Treatment options

Although androgenetic hair loss is genetically determined, there are various treatment options that can slow its progression or partially reverse hair loss:

Minoxidil: A topical medication that stimulates hair growth and slows the miniaturization of hair follicles, but has many side effects.
Hormone therapy: Anti-androgen medications, such as spironolactone or cyproterone acetate, can block the effect of androgens on hair follicles. These also come with many side effects.
Dietary supplements: Supplements with biotin, zinc, millet, and iron can strengthen hair follicles and support hair growth.
ONNI Follicusan: Follicusan is an active ingredient that does not interfere with the natural hormone balance, but acts directly on the hair root. By long-term stimulation of the hair root stem cells, the growth phase is extended, and the shrinking of the hair root is significantly curbed. ONNI Follicusan is also free of side effects and can be used without problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also recommended after chemotherapy. Its effect is scientifically proven and has been demonstrated in studies.

Conclusion

Androgenetic hair loss is a common form of hair loss in women that is genetically determined and caused by an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. Although this hair loss cannot be completely cured, there are effective treatments that can slow its progression and promote hair growth. Starting treatment early can help minimize its effects and boost self-confidence.

Health problems

What factors can cause hair loss?

Thyroid diseases: Both hyper- and hypothyroidism can cause hair loss.
Stress: Stress-related hair loss is widespread among women and often underestimated.
Weak immune system: Frequent illnesses are often indications of a disturbed immune system, which in turn can also contribute to hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin D can lead to hair loss.

Advice from expert Stefanie Wirnshofer, hair expert and founder of ONNI:

“Particularly in younger women, health factors cause hair loss. One major factor is the ferritin level—our iron stores. Iron is vital, and a significant deficiency exists in a large proportion of women. The threshold at which a general practitioner treats with pills or infusions is, in my opinion, set far too low. For women experiencing hair loss, we recommend a significantly higher iron level in combination with ONNI Follicusan therapy, meaning daily application of our Hair Growth Serum for at least three months. However, supplementation, especially with iron, should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.”

Corona, influenza & hair loss: A random phenomenon?

Hair loss after a Covid-19 infection or other serious illnesses

After a Covid-19 infection, many women report increased hair loss. This observation raises the question of whether it is a random phenomenon or if there is a direct connection between the illness and hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium: Stress-related hair loss

The most common mechanism leading to hair loss after a severe illness like Covid-19 is called Telogen Effluvium. This is a type of hair loss where a larger number of hairs than usual enter the telogen phase (resting phase) and fall out a few months later.

Causes of Telogen Effluvium after Covid-19

Physical and emotional stress

Physiological stress: A severe infection such as Covid-19 or influenza places an enormous burden on the body. The immune system fights the virus, which can lead to a general weakening of the body.
Fever: High fever can put a lot of strain on the body and lead to hair loss.
Medication: Medications can also have hair loss as a side effect.

How long does hair loss last?

Telogen effluvium typically occurs two to three months after the triggering event and can last several months. In most cases, hair growth normalizes within six to nine months, once the stress factor is eliminated and the body has recovered.

Conclusion

Hair loss after a severe infection is a common phenomenon and, in most cases, temporary. Hair loss usually occurs as telogen effluvium, caused by the physical and emotional stress of the illness. With a healthy diet, appropriate hair care, and stress management, affected individuals can reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. A systematic, continuous treatment with ONNI, especially the daily application of the ONNI Hair Growth Serum, significantly reduces hair loss.

What to do about thinning hair?

1. Adjust nutrition

A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is essential for healthy hair. Important nutrients include iron, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These support the blood supply to the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Additionally, therapy with vital and mineral substances from barley grass and millet supports healthy hair growth.

2. Optimize hair care

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp: The scalp should be as clean as possible and free of deposits.
Products without silicone or polyquaternium: With the hype of silicone-free products, the substitute polyquaternium was often used—which leaves even more residue on hair and scalp. Both ingredients are not recommended for healthy hair growth.
Extend the growth phase: With age, the hair's growth phase shortens. This can have genetic and hormonal causes, but also natural ones, such as poorer circulation that occurs with age. Long-term stimulators, like ONNI Follicusan, are particularly effective here—ideally in combination with a daily scalp massage.

Hair loss in menopause: What helps?

1. Hormone therapy

Hormone replacement therapy can help treat hormonally induced hair loss during menopause. Treatment with bioidentical hormones is now a recommended approach in longevity research and benefits the entire body.

2. Dietary supplements

Supplements with biotin, silicon, iron, vitamin D, selenium, folic acid, and other nutrients can promote hair growth.

3. Mild care products

Use special shampoos and care products that are tailored to the needs of mature scalps and hair and contain hair growth boosters such as ONNI Follicusan, nettle, and rosemary, as well as active ingredients that support a healthy scalp, such as arnica.

Conclusion: Successfully treating hair loss in women

Hair loss in women can have many causes, from hormonal changes to genetic factors. A healthy diet, proper care, and targeted medical treatments can help promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Try different methods and find out what works best for you.

By following these tips and recommendations, you can counteract hair loss and return to healthy, full hair.