Many women are dismayed to see hair falling out in clumps, either following childbirth, during or after menopause or due to other causes. While some daily hair loss is normal, thinning hair and partial baldness is a frightening prospect for women. What causes hair loss in women and what natural treatments are available that are not chemically based or dangerous to health?

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

There are various reasons why a woman's hair may thin or fall out. If hair loss occurs as a result of an underlying condition or disease, the specific condition needs to be treated first.

A woman's hair loss is different to the typical receding hairline and crown loss in men. Instead, androgenetic alopecia causes a general thinning of women's hair, with loss predominantly over the top and sides of the head. Hair loss or thinning hair can be the result of:

Shampoos, dyes and hair products - shampoos, conditioners and hair colorants often contain harmful chemicals and ingredients that strip or damage hair and may even cause hair to fall out over time. Typically, there are around 10-20 types of synthetic chemicals in commercially manufactured shampoo. Always shop for an organic, natural shampoo in order to prevent damage to the hair.

Childbirth - it is common to lose hair around 3 months after childbirth. This is a result of hormone levels adjusting after pregnancy. This is a temporary problem and hair should return to its pre-pregnancy state within 6 - 12 months.

Menopause - hormonal imbalance is the most common reason for thinning hair in older women. Estrogen levels drop as a woman goes through menopause and other hormones such as DHT (dihydrotestosterone) can become imbalanced, affecting hair growth. Although female hormones may not have as much impact on hair loss as male hormones, it is still a factor when it comes to hair loss in women.

Hair loss can be the result of exposure to nuclear radiation, X-rays, anti-cancer drugs or a severe nutritional deficiency, stress, flu, pneumonia or typhoid fever.

Natural Treatments for Hair Loss in Women

A homeopath may prescribe lycopodium for hair loss after childbirth and sepia for hair loss related to menopause and childbirth. See a qualified homeopath for correct diagnosis and treatment.

An herbalist may suggest a daily intake of rosemary tea to improve circulation to the head. Rinsing the hair with nettle vinegar is said to lessen hair loss. Three herbs for balancing female hormones are dong quai, chaste tree berry, and wild yam. Combined, these herbs make a great formula for balancing female hormone levels. Always consult an herbalist for a specific condition since certain herbs can be toxic if taken in excess.

Increase intake of vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, choline and inositol to help the hair to grow and remain healthy.

Cutting down on alcohol and sugar and eliminating nutritionally deficient junk food from the diet can slow down hair loss. Stick to a natural, healthy diet that includes good fats, protein, whole grains and plenty of organically grown fruits and vegetables in order to prevent hair loss and thinning hair. If hair loss is the result of hormonal imbalance, eat foods such as rice, potatoes, wheat, yams, apples and alfalfa. Regular exercise will help with overall health and reduce stress levels.