Causes of Hair Loss in Older Women and Remedy Options

Although hair loss is more common in men, women in their 50s and 60s or even an earlier age may experience thinning of their hair. It is a natural occurrence brought about by aging, but it something many older women have to worry about. It can be a factor that may disrupt every aspect of their lives, including their work and how they deal with themselves.

The understanding of hair loss starts with its growth. The follicle is the base of our hair, which is embedded below the surface of our scalp. At the base of each hair follicle is the dermal papilla that is responsible for regulating androgen hormones that determine the thinness or the thickness of hair.

Hair follicles have three growth phases, the anagen, catagen, and the telogen. In anagen, the hair is in constant and regular growth. The roots fill the hair follicle, and this phase can last up to two to six years. The catagen or the recession stage is when the hair stops growing but stays in place. Its roots are set in towards the epidermis that can last one to two weeks. The last stage is the telogen where the hair is already dead and hair follicles start to re-enter anagen phase. Once the new hair is strong enough, it will push out the old hair and the growth cycle starts again.

• Dr. Donna Sergi is a leading expert on the subject of natural remedies for hair loss in women.

 Normal hair loss happens when 10 to 15 percent of hair is in the telegen phase. During intensive hair loss, however, 30 percent of the hairs are already in the telegen stage.

What are the Possible Causes of Hair Loss in Older Women?

There are many possible causes affecting hair loss in older women. Some women may have it temporarily, others permanently. Some may also experience gradual hair loss, while others extreme.

The most common cause of hair loss is due to hereditary conditions. Only 70 percent of women attribute thinning of their hair to their genes, although they may see noticeable changes after menopause. Compared to men, hereditary hair loss in older women is widespread, which normally affects from the top of the head to the middle area, sparing the most obvious part, which is the forehead and the temples.

Medical conditions also play a big factor in hair loss, such as pregnancy. It usually happens three months after delivery when all hair goes into their resting phase. This condition may not be serious, but it is important that nutrition is maintained to prevent further damage.

Autoimmune disease like Alopecia areata may also cause hair loss. Here, the immune system attacks and kills the hair follicles causing them not to reproduce any new hair.

Hair loss in elders may be associated with numerous health conditions. For instance, those who have type 2 diabetes have 30 percent chance of becoming bald.  The stress as well as the hormonal imbalance brought about by the illness can stop the hair follicles from growing.

The same can happen when an elderly woman has iron deficiency or hypothyroidism. Hair loss may cease rapidly and over a wider scope of the scalp. Hormonal imbalance can slow down metabolism, which in turn damages the hair follicles.

Poor diet is another factor associated to hair loss. Elderly women who are deficient in certain nutrients and minerals, such as Vitamin A and C, B complex, Biotin, Zinc, and Iron, may have vigorous hair loss. Since hair is made up of protein, those take who less of them will have fewer healthy hair follicles.

The elderly may be susceptible to hair loss due to medications, such as the ones taken for hypertension and various heart conditions. Because of their high dosages, these drugs may drastically destroy cells including hair follicles. A few of the drugs that can cause hair loss are Prozac for depression, Levadopa for Parkinson's disease, non-steroidal drugs for inflammation and pain, Tenormin for the heart, and many more.

What are the Treatments for Hair Loss?

Hair loss is inevitable, whether it be part of the aging process for older women or due to medication, stress, or poor diet. However, one thing is for sure, treatment for hair loss is not limited.

The number one treatment is through prescribed drugs, such as Minoxidil. It is an over-the-counter drug that is a foam-like substance that you rub into your scalp twice a day to help follicles regain strength and promote new hair. Finasteride is another medication that enables the production of dihydrotestosterone that shrinks hair follicles.

Surgery is another option for treating hair loss. A hair transplant is a procedure where new hair is implanted into the scalp, until such time they, too, begin to develop new sets of hair. Scalp reduction is also recommended where a surgeon removes a portion of the bald scalp and replaces it with hair-covered scalp.


Overlooked Natural Remedies for Hair Loss

Of course, there are natural remedies for hair loss. Older women can start by checking their diet. By having a balanced diet and ingesting more protein, they can give vitality back to their hair. Exercise and other social activities are other great tools for lowering the stress levels of older women, especially if they are living alone or fighting a terminal disease. 

Hair loss is not only a condition affecting older women, but it also affects their overall confidence. Luckily, there are many options that are now available to help regain not just their lost hair, but the various confidence aspects that their hair loss has affected.

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