Hair loss in women is common and can be deeply upsetting. The good news is that many causes are temporary or treatable.
Imagine noticing more hair in your brush every morning and fearing the worst, then discovering a simple, treatable cause like low iron, and watching your hair grow back within months.
9 common causes
- Telogen effluvium: heavy shedding 2–3 months after stress, illness, surgery or childbirth
- Female pattern hair loss: gradual thinning over the top of the head
- Low iron or anaemia
- Thyroid problems; see thyroid symptoms
- Traction alopecia from tight braids, weaves, ponytails or extensions
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Alopecia areata: round patches of hair loss
- Crash diets and low protein intake
- Some medicines and chemotherapy
Treatments that work
- Treating the cause: iron, thyroid or hormone treatment
- Topical minoxidil for pattern hair loss
- Gentler hairstyles: loosen braids and rotate styles to prevent traction damage
- A balanced diet with enough protein
- Specialist treatments for alopecia areata
See a health professional if hair loss is sudden or patchy, you have scalp pain, itching or scarring, or other symptoms such as tiredness or irregular periods.
“But hair loss in women is just genetics, so nothing can be done.”
Many causes of hair loss in women are temporary or treatable: stress, low iron, thyroid problems, after pregnancy or from tight hairstyles. Finding the cause is the first step.
Your next step: Ask for a blood test for iron, thyroid and vitamin D if you notice increased shedding, and avoid tight hairstyles while you investigate.
Sources: British Association of Dermatologists; American Academy of Dermatology hair loss resources.
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