Laura Anderson
Hair loss in women is common, and it can feel upsetting. The good news is that many causes are treatable, especially when you find the reason early.
This guide covers 10 common causes, what actually helps, and when to see a doctor.
Is It Normal to Lose Hair?
Most people lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. That is part of the normal growth cycle.
It becomes a concern when you notice much more hair on your brush or in the shower, a wider parting, a thinner ponytail or bald patches.
10 Causes of Hair Loss in Women
1. Stress and illness
Major stress, surgery, a high fever or a serious illness can push many hairs into a resting phase at the same time. This is called telogen effluvium.
Shedding usually shows up two to three months after the trigger. It often settles on its own over several months.
2. Female pattern hair loss
This is a gradual, genetic thinning. It is often most noticeable at the parting and the crown, while the front hairline is usually kept.
It becomes more common with age, especially after menopause.
3. Iron deficiency
Low iron stores, especially in women with heavy periods, are a common reason for diffuse shedding. Other signs include tiredness, pale skin and breathlessness.
Your doctor can check your iron and ferritin levels with a simple blood test. Our guide to winter tiredness in women explains the wider symptoms.
4. Thyroid problems
Both an underactive and an overactive thyroid can affect your hair. Other signs include weight changes, feeling too cold or too hot, and changes in energy or mood.
5. Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, the months after giving birth, stopping hormonal contraception and menopause can all change hair growth. Postpartum shedding is common and usually settles over several months.
Read more in our guides to hormone imbalance symptoms in women and perimenopause symptoms in your 30s.
6. PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome can raise androgen levels. This may thin scalp hair and sometimes increase facial or body hair. Irregular periods are another clue.
7. Rapid weight loss or restrictive eating
Crash dieting, very low calorie eating or too little protein can trigger shedding.
Low vitamin D and other nutrient gaps have been linked to hair shedding in some studies, but results are mixed. Test before you supplement.
If you have been restricting food or feel unable to eat enough, please speak to a doctor or a mental health professional.
8. Medications
Some medicines can cause hair shedding. These include certain blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, blood thinners and acne treatments.
Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor first.
9. Tight hairstyles and harsh treatments
Constant pulling from tight ponytails, braids or extensions can cause traction alopecia. Frequent bleaching, relaxers and high heat can also damage hair so it breaks.
10. Autoimmune and scalp conditions
Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss. Scalp conditions such as psoriasis or fungal infections can also affect hair.
Redness, scaling, itching or sudden bald patches need a doctor’s assessment.
What Actually Helps Hair Loss in Women
- See your doctor first. They may check iron and ferritin, thyroid function and sometimes vitamin D, B12 or hormones, depending on your symptoms.
- Treat the cause. If a level is low or a condition is found, treating it is the most important step.
- Ask about minoxidil. Topical minoxidil is the most widely used treatment for female pattern hair loss. It needs daily use and usually takes several months to show results. It is generally not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so ask which option suits you.
- Be gentle with your hair. Loosen tight styles, limit heat and use a wide tooth comb on wet hair.
- Eat a varied diet. Include enough protein and iron rich foods such as lentils, beans, eggs, fish, poultry and leafy greens.
- Be careful with supplements. Do not take high doses without advice. Biotin is popular, but there is little evidence it helps unless you are deficient, and high doses can interfere with some blood tests, including thyroid tests.
- Be patient. Hair grows slowly. After a cause is treated it often takes several months to see a change.
When to See a Doctor
- Hair loss is sudden, or you have bald patches
- Your scalp is itchy, sore, red or scaly
- You also have tiredness, irregular periods, weight changes or extra facial hair
- It started after a new medicine
- It is affecting your confidence or wellbeing
Winter can also leave you feeling run down, so a calm routine helps. See our night routine for women and the winter self care routine on Pretty Progressive.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please speak to a doctor about your own symptoms.
Further reading: NHS: hair loss | American Academy of Dermatology: hair loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hair falling out so much?
Common reasons include stress, illness, low iron, thyroid problems, hormonal changes, medicines and genetics. A doctor can help find the cause.
Is hair loss in women normal?
Some shedding is normal every day. Thinning that you can see is common too, especially after pregnancy, during menopause or after stress, but it is worth checking.
Can stress cause hair loss in women?
Yes. Significant stress or illness can trigger shedding a few months later. It often improves once the trigger passes.
Will my hair grow back?
Often yes, when the cause is temporary or treatable. Genetic or autoimmune causes may need ongoing treatment. Regrowth usually takes months.
What deficiency causes hair loss in women?
Low iron is the most common nutrient link. Vitamin D, zinc and B12 have also been studied, so ask for testing before you take supplements.
