Hair loss in women: causes, treatment and prevention
How to keep our hair beautiful and healthy for a long time
Hair loss affects many women worldwide and can have a variety of causes. From hormonal changes to genetic factors, there are many reasons why women suffer from thinning hair. This article explores the key 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 stopping the pill. After childbirth, many women experience severe hair loss, especially while breastfeeding. Women over 40, i.e., from the onset of peri-menopause, also experience this. Hormonal changes are the cause – which during these phases are often caused by significant fluctuations or a drop in certain hormones.
Advice from expert Stefanie Wirnshofer, hair expert and founder of ONNI:
"If hair loss is hormonally related, the cause should first be clarified with a doctor. Sometimes two or three different factors come together, which must be treated differently. Is the thyroid properly regulated? Has the iron level been checked? For typical hair loss during breastfeeding or at the beginning of peri-menopause, daily treatment with ONNI Follicusan is very successful. PRP treatment, an autologous blood treatment, is also very useful; ideally, three treatments are required, but only after pregnancy and breastfeeding."
Genetic factors: Androgenetic alopecia
What is androgenetic alopecia?
Androgenetic hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common form of hair loss in both women and men. This hair loss is genetically determined and occurs due to an increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
How does androgenetic hair loss occur?Androgens are male hormones that also occur in small amounts in the female body. In women with androgenetic alopecia, the increased sensitivity of the hair follicles leads to a shortening of the growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair. This causes:
- Miniaturization of hair follicles : The hair follicles shrink and produce thinner and shorter hair.
- Shortened hair lifespan : Hair falls out faster and is no longer completely replaced.
In women, androgenetic hair loss is usually characterized by a general thinning of the hair in the crown area, while the hairline on the forehead usually remains intact.
Treatment options
Although androgenetic hair loss is genetic, there are several treatment options that can slow the 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 : Antiandrogenic medications, such as spironolactone or cyproterone acetate, can block the effects of androgens on hair follicles. Again, this comes with many side effects.
- Dietary supplements : Preparations containing biotin, zinc, brown 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 hormonal balance, but works directly at the hair root. Through long-term stimulation of the hair root's stem cells, the growth phase is extended and hair root atrophy is significantly reduced. ONNI Follicusan is also free of side effects and can be used safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also recommended after chemotherapy. Its effectiveness is scientifically proven and has been documented in studies.
Conclusion
Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in women that is genetically determined and caused by an increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens. While this hair loss cannot be completely cured, there are effective treatments that can slow its progression and promote hair regrowth. Starting treatment early can help minimize the effects and boost self-confidence.
Health problems
What factors can cause hair loss?
- Thyroid disorders : Both hyperthyroidism 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 contribute to hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies : A deficiency in 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:
"Especially in younger women, health factors cause hair loss. One factor that plays a major role is ferritin levels—our so-called iron stores. Iron is essential for life, and the majority of women suffer from a significant deficiency. In my opinion, the threshold at which a general practitioner begins treatment with tablets or infusions is set far too low. For women experiencing hair loss, we recommend a significantly higher iron level in combination with ONNI Follicusan therapy, meaning daily use of our Hair Growth Serum for at least three months. However, supplementation, especially 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
Many women report increased hair loss after a COVID-19 infection. This observation raises the question of whether this is a coincidental occurrence or whether there is a direct connection between the disease and hair loss.
Telogen effluvium: stress-related hair loss
The most common mechanism leading to hair loss after a serious illness like COVID-19 is telogen effluvium. This is a type of hair loss in which a larger number of hairs than usual enter the telogen (resting) phase and fall out several 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 enormous strain 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.
- Medications : Medications can also cause 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 for several months. In most cases, hair growth returns to normal within six to nine months once the stressor is eliminated and the body has recovered.
Conclusion
Hair loss following a serious infection is common and, in most cases, temporary. Hair loss usually occurs as telogen effluvium, caused by the physical and emotional stress of the condition. With a healthy diet, appropriate hair care, and stress management, sufferers can reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. Systematic, ongoing treatment with ONNI, especially daily use of the ONNI Hair Growth Serum, significantly reduces hair loss.
What to do if your hair is thinning?
1. Adjust your diet
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. In addition, a therapy with vital nutrients and minerals from barley grass and brown millet supports healthy hair growth.
2. Optimize hair care
- Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp: The scalp should be as pure and clean as possible and free of deposits.
- Products without silicone or polyquaternium: With the hype surrounding silicone-free products, the substitute polyquaternium has often been used – which coats the hair and scalp even more. Neither ingredient is recommended for healthy hair growth.
- Extend the growth phase: With age, the hair growth phase shortens. This can be due to genetic and hormonal causes, but also natural ones, such as poor circulation that occurs with age. Long-term stimulants, such as ONNI Follicusan, are particularly effective here – ideal when combined with a daily scalp massage.
Hair loss during 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
Preparations containing 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, and active ingredients that support a healthy scalp, such as arnica.
Conclusion: Successfully treat 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 what works best for you.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can counteract hair loss and return to healthy, full hair.
Sources
- Gesundheit.de - Hair loss in women
- NetDoktor - Hair loss causes
- Dermatology Journal - Androgenetic Alopecia in Women
- Mayo Clinic - Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss
- WebMD - Vitamins for Hair Growth
- Harvard Health - Post-Covid Hair Loss
- Healthline - Diet for Healthy Hair
- Allure - Best Shampoos for Hair Loss
- Cosmopolitan - Home Remedies for Hair Loss
- Medical News Today - Minoxidil for Hair Loss
- American Academy of Dermatology - Hormonal Hair Loss Treatments
- CDC - Post-Covid Recovery Tips
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology - Coconut Oil Benefits
- PubMed - Aloe Vera for Hair Growth
- Journal of Dermatology - Onion Juice for Hair Growth
- Menopause Journal - HRT and Hair Loss
- Good Housekeeping - Best Hair Products for Mature Women
- Elle - Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
- British Journal of Dermatology - Efficacy of Hair Growth Products