Why is my hair thinning?
If you have noticed more hair in the brush, a wider part, or a ponytail that feels thinner than it used to, your instinct is worth taking seriously. Hair loss in women rarely happens for no reason, and identifying the cause is the first real step toward doing something about it.
There is no single cause. The most common is female pattern hair loss, which is genetic and influenced by hormones, but it is far from the only one.
- Female pattern hair loss. Gradual thinning across the top of the scalp, usually with a widening part. The most common cause, and often the most treatable when caught early.
- Hormonal change. Pregnancy and the postpartum period, and the transition through perimenopause and menopause, can all trigger noticeable shedding or thinning.
- Stress and illness. A significant stressor or illness can push hair into a shedding phase, often a few months after the event itself.
- Nutritional and medical factors. Iron deficiency, thyroid conditions and certain medications can all contribute, which is why history matters.
Source: DermNet, Female pattern hair loss. General population research, not clinic outcomes.
What female pattern hair loss looks like
Female pattern hair loss tends to show differently from the male version. Rather than a receding hairline, it usually appears as diffuse thinning across the crown and top of the scalp, with the part line widening over time. The frontal hairline is often preserved, though it is common to see thinning at the temples and along the sides as well, and for some women that is where they notice it first.
Clinically it is graded on the Ludwig scale, from early thinning through to more advanced loss. Because it progresses gradually, the earlier it is assessed, the more options tend to be available, which is the single most useful thing to know.
The part widens as more scalp shows through, while the front hairline is usually kept. A simplified illustration, and progression varies.
Seeing it measured, rather than guessing in the mirror, often comes as a relief. It replaces worry with a clear picture of what is actually happening and what can be done.
When to see your GP instead
Female pattern hair loss is common, but women have a longer list of causes that are treated medically rather than in a clinic, and several of them are reversible once found. Speak to your GP first if any of the following apply.
- The shedding is sudden or very heavy, rather than gradual over years.
- Hair is coming out in distinct round patches, or you are losing eyebrows or eyelashes.
- You also have irregular periods, acne or increased facial and body hair, which can point to a hormonal cause such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
- You feel tired, cold or generally unwell, or your weight has changed, which can point to thyroid or iron problems.
- There is itching, pain, scaling or scarring on the scalp.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common and most treatable contributors to hair loss in women, and it will not improve with scalp treatment alone. Your GP can arrange iron studies, thyroid function and hormone tests where relevant. We would rather send you there first than sell you something that was never going to help. You can read more in our guides on blood tests for hair loss and the different types of hair loss.