Causes of Hair Loss in Teenage Girls

Medications

Pharmaceutical medications are often prescribed to teenage girls to treat symptoms that are the result of various conditions. Although they are for the most part effective, they have a tendency to be accompanied with side effects. One of them is hair loss. Some particular medications that can cause hair loss include lithium, isotretinoin, amphetamines that are used with diet pills and also chemotherapy drugs that are used for cancer.

Hormones

There are several conditions that take place as a result of hormonal imbalances. Some of these include thyroid disease, diabetes, lupus and polycystic ovarian syndrome. When any of these conditions is present, the hair growth cycle becomes interrupted and hair loss can occur.

Hair Care

The way that some teen girls treat their hair can cause hair loss. For example, many apply a wide variety of products such as hair dye and bleach, as well as chemicals to perm hair to make it straight or curly. In addition, teenage girls often use flat irons or curling irons on their hair daily. These activities can cause the hair to become brittle and fall out for a short amount of time. Another condition, called traction alopecia, is more permanent. This occurs when hair is constantly tightly pulled back, tightly braided (as in cornrows) or tightly rolled, causing a lot of tension on the scalp. After a while, the hair follicles become damaged and hair falls out.

Eating Habits

The hair is made up of dead protein and there are some key nutrients that promote its health such as vitamin A, vitamin C, the B vitamins and iron. Girls who suffer from eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can end up being deficient in key nutrients which can lead to hair loss. Vegetarians, athletes and teen girls who go on crash diets can also be susceptible.