What Causes Hair Loss in Women: A Complete Guide to Female Hair Thinning
Female hair loss has multiple potential causes including hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, stress, autoimmune conditions, and genetic factors, with accurate diagnosis being essential because treatment approaches differ dramatically depending on the underlying cause. At The Wellness, we provide comprehensive assessment to identify why you're losing hair and create targeted treatment plans.
Hair loss in women is more common than most people realise. Around 40% of women experience noticeable hair thinning by age 50. Yet because female hair loss differs from male pattern baldness, it's often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.
This comprehensive guide explains all the potential causes of female hair loss, helping you understand what might be happening and what steps to take.
How Female Hair Loss Differs from Male Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness:
Receding hairline
Crown baldness
Clear progression pattern
Caused primarily by DHT
Female pattern hair loss:
Diffuse thinning across the scalp
Widening part line
Preserved frontal hairline (usually)
Multiple potential causes
Because women's hair loss has diverse causes, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Proper diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment.
The Major Causes of Hair Loss in Women
1. Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
What it is: The female equivalent of male pattern baldness, involving gradual thinning on the top of the scalp.
Cause: Genetic sensitivity to androgens (male hormones), which women produce in small amounts. Over time, affected follicles miniaturise.
Pattern: Diffuse thinning, widened part, preserved hairline
Who it affects:
12% of women by age 30
25% by age 50
40%+ after menopause
Treatment options: PRP, minoxidil, anti-androgens (spironolactone), addressing underlying hormone imbalance
2. Hormonal Changes
Menopause and Perimenopause
Declining oestrogen removes protection for hair follicles. Relative increase in androgens can trigger thinning.
Signs: Thinning coinciding with menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, irregular periods, mood changes)
Pregnancy and Postpartum
During pregnancy, elevated hormones keep hair in growth phase (many women notice thicker hair). After delivery, hormone levels plummet, triggering synchronised shedding.
Signs: Dramatic shedding 2-4 months after childbirth. Usually temporary.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS causes elevated androgens, which can trigger hair thinning on the scalp while causing excess hair on face and body.
Signs: Irregular periods, acne, weight gain, facial hair, scalp thinning
Birth Control Changes
Starting or stopping hormonal contraceptives can trigger temporary shedding as the body adjusts.
Signs: Shedding 2-4 months after contraceptive change
3. Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive) cause hair loss.
Hypothyroidism:
Dry, brittle hair
Diffuse thinning
Often accompanied by fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity
Hyperthyroidism:
Fine, fragile hair
Diffuse thinning
Often accompanied by weight loss, anxiety, heat sensitivity
Diagnosis: Blood tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3)
Treatment: Thyroid medication restores normal function; hair typically improves within 3-6 months
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Iron Deficiency
The most common nutritional cause of hair loss in women, especially those with heavy periods.
Signs: Fatigue, pallor, weakness, diffuse thinning Testing: Ferritin (iron stores) — optimal for hair is >70 ng/mL
Vitamin D Deficiency
Affects follicle cycling. Extremely common in UK (limited sun exposure).
Signs: Fatigue, muscle weakness, mood changes, thinning hair Testing: 25-hydroxy vitamin D — optimal >50 ng/mL
Zinc Deficiency
Important for hair growth and repair. More common in vegetarians/vegans.
Signs: Hair thinning, slow wound healing, frequent infections
Protein Deficiency
Hair is made of protein (keratin). Insufficient protein intake affects hair production.
Signs: Thinning, brittle hair, often with strict dieting
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Common in vegetarians, vegans, and those with absorption issues.
Signs: Fatigue, neurological symptoms, hair thinning
The solution: Blood testing identifies specific deficiencies for targeted supplementation.
5. Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Related Shedding)
What it is: A temporary condition where a shock to the system pushes many follicles into the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously, causing dramatic shedding 2-3 months later.
Common triggers:
Severe emotional stress
Physical trauma or surgery
Serious illness or high fever
Major weight loss
Starting new medication
Childbirth (see above)
Pattern: Diffuse shedding across entire scalp, often alarming in volume
Prognosis: Usually temporary (6-12 months) once trigger resolves. Hair regrows naturally.
When to seek help: If shedding continues beyond 6 months or trigger isn't clear
6. Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune)
What it is: The immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
Pattern: Distinct round or oval bald patches, sometimes progressing to larger areas
Who it affects: Can occur at any age, often with family history or other autoimmune conditions
Treatment: Steroid injections, topical treatments, immunotherapy. Unpredictable course.
7. Traction Alopecia (Hairstyle-Related)
What it is: Hair loss from repeated pulling tension on follicles.
Causes:
Tight ponytails or buns
Braids or cornrows
Hair extensions
Tight headbands or hats
Pattern: Hair loss at hairline and around ears (where tension is greatest)
Treatment: Changing hairstyles early allows recovery. Long-term tension can cause permanent damage.
8. Scarring Alopecias (Cicatricial)
What it is: A group of conditions where inflammation destroys follicles permanently, replacing them with scar tissue.
Types include:
Lichen planopilaris
Frontal fibrosing alopecia
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Discoid lupus
Pattern: Areas of smooth, shiny scalp where follicles are gone
Treatment: Stopping progression is primary goal. Lost follicles don't return.
Importance: Early diagnosis is critical to preserve remaining hair.
9. Medications
Many medications can cause hair loss as a side effect:
Certain antidepressants
Blood thinners
Beta-blockers
Retinoids (acne medication)
Some hormonal treatments
Chemotherapy
Solution: If medication is suspected, discuss alternatives with your prescribing doctor. Never stop medication without medical guidance.
Getting Proper Diagnosis
Because female hair loss has so many potential causes, proper assessment is essential.
What comprehensive assessment includes:
Detailed history: When it started, pattern, triggers, symptoms, medications, family history
Physical examination: Scalp examination, hair pull test, pattern assessment
Blood tests:
Full blood count
Iron studies (ferritin)
Thyroid function
Vitamin D
Hormone panel (testosterone, DHEA-S, SHBG)
Vitamin B12
Zinc
Scalp biopsy (if indicated): For unclear diagnosis or suspected scarring alopecia
At The Wellness, we provide thorough female hair loss assessment with all relevant blood testing.
Ready for answers about your hair loss? Book your assessment via WhatsApp
Treatment Approaches by Cause
CauseTreatment ApproachFemale pattern hair lossPRP, minoxidil, anti-androgensHormonal changesHormone assessment, possibly HRT, PRPThyroid disordersThyroid medicationNutritional deficienciesTargeted supplementationTelogen effluviumAddress trigger, supportive care, timeAlopecia areataSteroids, immunotherapyTraction alopeciaChange hairstylesScarring alopeciasAnti-inflammatory treatment, early intervention
Frequently Asked Questions
Is some hair loss normal?
Yes. Losing 50-100 hairs daily is normal. Concern arises when loss exceeds this, when you notice visible thinning, or when the pattern changes.
Will my hair grow back?
It depends on the cause. Telogen effluvium, nutritional deficiencies, and thyroid issues typically resolve with treatment. Pattern hair loss requires ongoing management. Scarring alopecias cause permanent loss in affected areas.
Should I see a GP or specialist?
Start with comprehensive assessment. GPs may not have time or expertise for thorough hair loss evaluation. A clinic specialising in hair loss can provide more comprehensive workup.
Can stress really cause hair loss?
Yes. Severe stress triggers telogen effluvium. Chronic stress can worsen pattern hair loss. Stress management is part of hair health.
Is hair loss during menopause inevitable?
Not inevitable, but common. Hormone changes increase risk. Proactive assessment and treatment can maintain hair through this transition.
Take Action on Your Hair Loss
Don't accept hair loss as inevitable. Proper diagnosis identifies treatable causes, and even genetic hair loss can be managed effectively with modern treatments.
Find out why you're losing hair. Book your consultation via WhatsApp
Medically reviewed February 2026
Last updated: February 2026
