How Women's Hair Loss Is Sometimes Caused by a Biotin Deficiency

When men experience hair loss, it is typically either due to genetics or falling testosterone levels. But when women experience hair loss, there is often something else at play. There are, of course, many possible causes of hair loss, from skin diseases to hormonal imbalances. But a lot of hair loss cases are actually caused by a simpler problem: biotin deficiency.

What is biotin?

Biotin is a B vitamin. It's also known as vitamin B7. Like all B vitamins, it plays a role in metabolism and in the processes your body uses to form new tissues. Biotin, specifically, is very important for the formation of hair, skin, and nail cells. It allows the body to transform the proteins you eat into the proteins that form these tissues. 

What happens when you don't get enough biotin?

When you do not get enough biotin in your diet, then the processes that depend on biotin start suffering. Your hair may first get dry, and then you will notice it beginning to fall out. Biotin deficiency also tends to lead to dry skin, brittle nails, and rashes around the mouth and nose. Serious deficiencies of biotin are rare, but they can lead to lethargy and numbness in the extremities.

How can you get more biotin in your diet?

If you are experiencing hair loss and you are worried it may be due to a biotin deficiency, then it's smart to start taking a biotin supplement. You could even look for women's vitamins for hair loss. These supplements typically contain a lot of biotin, but also other nutrients that may help with hair loss — like vitamin E, selenium, and manganese. 

Of course, it is also a good idea to make sure you're eating foods that provide biotin. Good sources include:

• Bananas
• Mushrooms
• Egg Yolks
• Organ meats, such as liver and heart
• Nuts

What if biotin supplements don't work?

Note that you won't see an overnight transformation when you start taking biotin supplements. It will take a while for your circulating biotin levels to rise enough to correct the hair loss you're experiencing. Give the supplements at least a month before you judge their effectiveness. If after a month you are still losing hair, then you should talk to a doctor about other possible causes of hair loss.

A lack of biotin sometimes accounts for hair loss in women. Luckily, taking a supplement is an easy way to correct this and enjoy thicker, fuller hair once again.

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