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Hair loss is something that most women, especially postmenopausal women, will experience throughout their lifetime. It can be an emotional experience for a woman to begin losing her hair, especially since hair tends to be a vital part of one’s identity. It’s hard on the woman, and it’s even worse when she doesn’t know why.
If your mom is losing her hair, varying factors could be the cause. Age is a significant one. Other causes of female hair loss include genetics, medicinal side effects, emotional well-being, and poor hair health habits.
Most hair loss is temporary, but sometimes the final result can be thinner or permanently damaged hair, but when is hair loss normal and when is it time to be concerned? Read on to discover why your mom might be losing her hair and what you can do to help.
Some Hair Loss Is a Natural Part of Aging
If you’ve determined that your mom is experiencing hair loss, the first thing to consider is her age. Some amount of hair loss is natural as people – both men and women – age.
As we age, our hair follicles shrink, causing our hair to become finer. If your mom is noticing changes with her hair, she may not actually be losing it. It could just be getting thinner.
Your Mom’s Genetics Matter
Genetics also play a role in female hair loss. Consider the following questions when contemplating your mom’s thinning hair:
- How much hair did women in her family have at her age?
- Are there any genetic conditions she could’ve inherited causing her hair loss?
- Did anyone experience Female-Patterned Hair Loss?
The National Health Society reports that Female-Patterned Hair Loss, a hereditary hair condition, is widespread and experienced by 40% of women over 70.
Something else to consider are your mom’s hormones, which can constantly fluctuate, especially after menopause. The estrogen levels change drastically, directly affecting the skin and scalp’s health, appearance, and flexibility. As a result, hair may not grow back as quickly or thick as before.
Side Effects From Medication Could Be Causing Hair Loss
The next option in considering why your mom is losing her hair would be to consult her medical records. For example, if she’s undergoing cancer treatments, this could be a significant contributing factor.
The American Hair Loss Association lists a slew of medications that report hair loss as a side effect, so it could be worth digging a little deeper to discover if that might contribute to your mom’s hair loss.
Autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and diabetes can also contribute to hair loss if they’re not treated properly. DermNet found that any medical trauma that shocks the body can also result in hair loss. These include:
- Surgery
- Hemorrhages
- High fevers
- Sudden weight loss
- Certain viruses and infections
If you have any questions or concerns about your mom’s medical history contributing to her hair loss, consult her primary care physician and dermatologist to discuss a proper care plan. It’s essential to ensure that any viruses or infections are appropriately treated and that any changes in medication are handled with care.
Hair Loss Could Be a Result of Poor Emotional Well-Being
Psychological and emotional distress are also known to cause hair loss. Traumatic events such as the death of a loved one, car accident, drastic life changes, etc., can put the body under such stress that it no longer views growing hair as a priority. When this happens, the body begins to focus on preserving the parts of the body that need more attention.
Hair loss is a common side effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), so it’s important to discuss your mother’s emotional health with her doctor.
The American Hair Loss Council found that hair loss from extreme stress usually has at least a six-month cycle, with hair loss beginning approximately three months after the triggering stressor and growing back three months after that.
It can feel defeating as she waits for her hair to catch up, so remember to encourage her to stay healthy in every way possible throughout this process. If she becomes self-conscious, she can always buy a wig to cover up any unflattering spots she isn’t comfortable showing to the world.
Certain Hair Health Habits Can Cause Hair Loss
Your mom’s overall hair health is another factor that could contribute to her hair loss. For example, any of the following could be causing or worsening her hair loss:
- Overuse of heated tools like curling irons or a blow dryers when styling her hair
- Getting perms or dying/bleaching her hair
- Frequently pulling her hair back in a tight bun or ponytail
All of these habits could directly affect the overall health of her hair and the rate it either falls out or grows back. Encourage her to use the “cool” setting on her heat tools and use a heat protectant spray to prevent further damaging her hair.
It’s also worth asking whether or not your mother needs assistance caring for her hair. If she can care for her hair independently, it could be a good idea to consult her hair stylist about any products or practices that might be a healthier option for your mom’s changing hair.
Suppose she needs assistance taking care of her hair. In that case, Amazon products like the ones below might give your mom the assistance she needs while still allowing her to feel independent.
- This Medline Shower Chair Bath Seat could be helpful if your mom has difficulty standing for long periods or gets tired quickly. Being able to wash her hair at her own pace could empower her.
- A Circa Air Inflatable Hair Washing Basin is great for your mom if she needs assistance washing her hair but wants it done from home. This basin allows your mom to customize her comfort while she gets her hair washed.
- This AquaCare AS-SEEN-ON-TV High Pressure 8-Mode Handheld Shower Head has built-in customizable pressure settings. They could help your mom wash her hair more efficiently and effectively.
- A shower grab bar like this Moen Home Care 18-Inch Bathroom Grab Bar could give your mom the stability she needs to bathe herself without fear of losing her balance.
What’s the Difference Between Hair Shedding and Hair Loss?
Now that you know what could be causing your mom’s hair loss, let’s talk about the difference between hair loss and hair shedding. The two may sound the same, but they aren’t, and the distinction is very important
Shedding usually means the hairs that have fallen out are simply making room for new growth in its place. Women can notice hair shedding after brushing hair, shampooing, or styling. The American Academy of Dermatology Association reports that shedding hair is completely normal and most people shed 50-100 hairs daily. Depending on stress levels and overall health, some people can temporarily shed more or less hair.
Hair loss often results in more significant amounts of hair falling out and not growing back for an extended period, sometimes permanently. This is usually evident by large clumps of hair falling out frequently, patchiness, or bald spots.
When caring for your elderly parents, you may realize they’re getting weak. If so, you should understand why they feel weak and help them maintain as much independence as possible. Click on the link to find out how. Why Is Your Elderly Father or Mother So Weak?
Conclusion
Hair loss is not a fun experience and can result from aging, genetics, medicinal side effects, emotional well-being, or overall hair health. Regardless of why your mom may lose her hair, it’s important to remember that most hair loss is temporary, but even if it’s permanent, she’s still the mom you know and love.
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