Hair Loss Solutions: Medical and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Female Hair Health

If you're here on this blog, you probably have tried "anti-hairfall shampoo", "DIY home-made hair growth oil", and that trending "hair fall control serum" from Instagram. A few things helped you a little.

But your ponytail still feels thinner, and you're still unhappy with your wider part in group photographs.

You're not alone. Almost one-third of women face hair loss at some point in their lives. It's common, but the reasons are rarely simple.

For many women, hair loss is a sign that something is amiss. Yes, it could be seasonal or stress-related, but it can just as easily be your hormones, thyroid, or nutrient deficiencies asking for attention.

Let's see the primary reasons behind hair loss in females, possible medical causes behind it, and how lifestyle and hair-care habits can support healthier hair over time.

How Hair Grows: Before We Talk About Hair Loss

Before talking about causes or solutions, let's quickly see what "normal hair growth" looks like.

In general, hair growth is a three-phase process (Sadgrove et al., 2023)¹:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase)

This is the phase where your hair is truly alive and working. Inside the follicle, just above the dermal papilla, thousands of matrix cells rapidly divide, pushing older cells upward, hardening them with keratin, and forming the visible hair strand.

At any moment, 80–90% of your scalp hairs are in anagen, quietly growing without you realizing it. This phase typically lasts between 2 and 7 years. The length of the anagen phase determines the maximum length of the hair. Now you know why some people can grow waist-length hair while others naturally can’t go past their shoulders.

Interestingly, hormones also influence this phase. During pregnancy, higher estrogen levels help maintain more hair in the anagen phase and delay its transition into the shedding (telogen) phase. This prolonged growth period is why many pregnant women notice thicker, fuller, and more lustrous hair. After delivery, as hormone levels normalize, many of these hairs enter telogen simultaneously, which can lead to temporary postpartum shedding.

2. Catagen (Transition Phase)

Catagen is a short "switch off" phase that signals the end of the active phase. This phase lasts only 2–4 weeks, but it’s critical. During Catagen:

• The follicle shrinks.

• The lower portion detaches from the dermal papilla (its blood and nutrient source).

• Hair stops growing but hasn’t fallen out yet.

Only about 1% of hairs are in catagen at any time, which shows just how brief this transition really is.

3. Telogen (Resting Phase)

That's the final phase, when hair doesn't grow any longer but remains attached to the follicle. It lasts for approximately 2-3 months before the hair sheds. At the end of this phase, new hair begins to grow, restarting the cycle.

It is completely normal to shed 50-100 hairs per day because around 10-15% of scalp hairs are in telogen at any given time.

4. Exogen (Shedding Phase)

This is the phase in which hair physically sheds from the scalp due to external forces such as washing, brushing, or friction. It can last 2-5 months, depending on the individual. At the same time, a new hair has usually already begun to form underneath.

Common Patterns of Hair Loss in Women

More than one-third of women experience significant hair loss at some point in their lives (Harvard Health Publishing, 2022)². Unlike male hair loss, female hair loss rarely presents as bald spots. Dermatologists usually see the following broad hair loss patterns in women.

1. The Female Pattern Hair Loss (Thinning From the Top)

Female pattern hair loss (FPFL) is one of the most common types of hair loss in women (Fabbrocini et al.)³. It's also called androgenetic alopecia (due to hormonal imbalance) or genetic loss. Hair becomes gradually thinner across the central, frontal, and upper side (parietal) scalp, while the front hairline often stays in place.

Simply put, your ponytail feels lighter, and photos show more scalp, but there are no sharp bald patches.

2. The "Christmas-Tree" Hair Loss Pattern

Also called Triangular Front Thinning! Here, the thinning starts front and center and fans out backwards like a triangle or Christmas tree. You'll notice:

• A central part that becomes wider toward the forehead

• Thinning across the upper sides and crown, with more obvious loss at the front (Herskovitz and Tosti, 2013)⁴

You may not even notice it in open hair, but definitely when pulling hair back.

3. Telogen Effluvium, aka The Diffuse Shedding

Ever noticed a sudden hair fall and blamed it on the seasons? It can be Telogen effluvium (TE), the diffuse shedding or temporary (but sudden) hair loss (Hughes & Yongxin, 2024)⁵. It often appears 2-3 months after a trigger, such as:

• High fever, viral illness, or surgery

• Childbirth

• Weather extremes or changes

• Crash dieting or sudden weight loss

• Emotional stress or grief

• Medication changes

Note: After childbirth, high estrogen levels during pregnancy keep hair in the growth (anagen) phase longer, creating thicker hair. When estrogen drops postpartum, many hairs enter telogen together and shed — a normal “reset,” not true damage. However, persistent shedding may also reflect nutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron), so prolonged hair loss warrants medical evaluation.

Once the trigger is addressed, the cycle typically returns to normal.

In such cases, more hairs shift into the resting (telogen) phase at once. Shedding may last 3-6 months, and regrowth can take several months more. Once you address the trigger cause, everything falls back into place!

4. Patchy or Scar-Related Hair Loss

If you have ever noticed patchy bald spots, broken-off hairs with "exclamation mark" roots, or areas of redness in your scalp, you should consider immediate healthcare attention. It can be a sign of:

When to See a Dermatologist?

You may need to consider a dermatologist when facing:

• Severe hair loss

• Sudden round or oval bald patches

• Painful, itchy, or burning scalp

• Redness, scaling, or pus

• Hair loss on eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body areas

More than just a phase of life, hair loss significantly affects confidence, mental peace, and overall well-being. Let's see what your hair loss signals.

Can Hair Loss Be a Sign of Illness or an Underlying Medical Condition?

The answer might scare you. But, yes. For many women, hair loss isn't just 'on the scalp', it's connected to what's happening inside the body.

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is the major underlying cause of hair loss in women (Fabbrocini et al.)³. Androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can shrink genetically sensitive hair follicles over time. Here are the common hormonal conditions that can cause hair loss in women:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Due to elevated levels of androgens, specifically testosterone, which convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It shrinks hair follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle, leading to female pattern baldness.

• Postpartum shifts: Estrogen drops after childbirth. Many women notice heavy shedding 2-4 months after delivery.

• Perimenopause and menopause: Gradual hormonal shifts can unmask genetic predisposition to female pattern hair loss.

• Starting/stopping hormonal contraception: Some women experience temporary shedding around these changes.

If you're wondering how hormones influence the body, you may seek an assessment from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, or naturopathic doctor.

Do you think you have high estrogen levels? Find out the symptoms and how to lower estrogen naturally.

2. Thyroid Function

Both underactive and overactive thyroid can cause diffuse thinning and dry, brittle hair. You may also notice fatigue, weight change, cold or heat intolerance, and mood shifts. Rather than relying only on TSH, a complete thyroid panel often provides a clearer picture of thyroid health. This typically includes TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-TG), which help assess overall thyroid function and screen for underlying autoimmune causes that may contribute to hair loss (Workman, 2023)⁷.

3. Iron Deficiency

Low iron stores can impair oxygen delivery to hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle and increasing shedding (Almohanna et al., 2019)⁸. Importantly, hair loss may occur even before overt iron deficiency anemia develops, when ferritin levels are considered “suboptimal” rather than frankly deficient. 

Many clinicians recommend maintaining ferritin levels of at least 50 ng/mL to support healthy hair growth.

Women with heavy menstrual bleeding, restrictive diets, or gastrointestinal conditions are particularly vulnerable to depleted iron stores. Because hemoglobin may remain normal in early stages, doctors often assess serum ferritin, a marker of iron storage, alongside hemoglobin to detect low iron status.

4. Other Nutrient Gaps

Beyond iron deficiency, low levels of nutrients such as Vitamin D have also been associated with some forms of hair loss. Zinc and specific B vitamins also support normal follicle function (Guo & Katta, 2017)⁹.

Read More: Nutritious Foods That Are High in Vitamin D

However, the evidence strongly supports correcting deficiencies rather than taking very high doses.

5. Medications and Chronic Illness

Hair loss can be a side effect of various medications or a consequence of chronic diseases (Workman, 2023)⁷. Examples include:

• Some blood pressure, acne, mood, or cholesterol medications

• High-dose vitamin A derivatives

• Autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, or uncontrolled diabetes

Note: Never stop a prescribed medication on your own. Instead, discuss possible alternatives or workaround strategies with your doctor.

Read More: 10 Surprising Benefits of Vitamin E for Hair and Scalp

Can Medicines or Nutrition Help Prevent Hair Loss

Wondering if any medicines or nutrients support hair growth and prevent hair fall? Well, yes, they can. But medical therapies work best when targeted to the correct diagnosis. Before starting any medication, consult a healthcare practitioner:

1. Address the Trigger, Not Just the Hair

If you're struggling with hair loss (particularly telogen effluvium), the primary "treatment" is to identify and resolve the underlying trigger (Hughes & Yongxin, 2024)⁵.

• Get your nutritional profiles checked and corrected (if deficient).

• Improve your diet and nutrition (diet varies by gender).

• Manage underlying conditions, like thyroid disorder or PCOS symptoms.

• Allow the body to heal and recover (post-illness or surgery).

Once the trigger resolves, shedding often slows over the course of months, and new "baby hairs" appear.

Read Here: Can You Get Pregnant With PCOS?

2. Topical Minoxidil: First-Line for Female Pattern Hair Loss

Decades of data support topical minoxidil as a first-line treatment for female pattern hair loss (Fabbrocini et al.)³.

• You can apply it to your hair scalp once or twice daily (affected areas).

• Available in 2% and 5% solutions or foam. Exact strength and regimen depend on local regulations and the clinician's advice.

• Results are gradual and varying. Most women need 3-6 months to see a visible improvement. Consistency is important.

• Side effects can include scalp irritation or initial shedding.

Disclaimer: Don't start oral minoxidil without a doctor's prescription. Even in a topical dose, let your dermatologist decide if it's right for you and how to apply it correctly.

3. Antiandrogen Therapies (For Selected Women)

For some women with clear androgen-driven hair loss, doctors may consider:

• Spironolactone (an oral antiandrogen)

• Certain oral contraceptives

• Other antiandrogen medications (often off-label for hair) (Singal et al., 2013)¹⁰

This isn't medical advice and requires careful monitoring, discussion of pregnancy prevention, and regular follow-up. These drugs should only be started and supervised by a clinician familiar with hair disorders and women's hormonal health.

Read Here: Guide to Hormonal Balance: Normal Testosterone and Estrogen Levels in Women

4. Hair Restoration Procedures

Some women also explore clinical hair restoration procedures (Workman, 2023)⁷. The major principle behind these procedures is to stimulate the hair follicles and promote new hair growth.

The outcomes of the hair restoration procedure depend heavily on the specific condition, device, protocol, and operator. If you're considering any procedure, ask your dermatologist about:

• Expected benefits and timelines

• Strength of evidence for your type of hair loss

• Costs and number of sessions

• Potential side effects

Also Read: Everything You Should Know About Female Sex Hormones

Lifestyle Factors That Cause Hair Fall or Hair Loss

Your lifestyle and everyday habits can either support or damage your hair growth. Even if your blood tests are fine, the way you eat, sleep, move, and style your hair can still push more strands into the "falling out" phase.

Here are a few lifestyle factors that negatively affect your hair health, and how you can deal with them:

1. Stress, Exhaustion, or Burnout

Stressing out physically or mentally? In animal models, high cortisol (stress hormone) levels have impaired the hair growth stem cells (NIH Research Matters, 2021)¹¹.

So, if you are stressing out or have been through some major life change, like illness, breakup, job loss, or family stress, it can push more hairs into the shedding phase a few months later.

What You Can Do:

Even though you can't completely escape from any situation, you may try ways to lower your stress hormones, with steps like

• walking

• deep breathing

• stretching

• journaling,

• Or, simply detoxing digitally before bed.

Read Here: 7 Signs You Have High Cortisol (Stress) As a Mom

2. Crash Diets & Skipped Meals

About 22-46% of women skip meals or use crash diets (mainly to lose weight) (Carew et al., 2021)¹². If you're also one of those who skip breakfast or eat a single meal a day, the loss may show up on your scalp before your waistline (Guo & Katta, 2017)⁹.

When your calories and protein intake are low, your body silently enters survival mode and decides, "Hair is not essential right now."

What You Can Do:

• Instead of following blind social media trends and crash diets, do regular exercise.

• Always aim for balanced meals with a source of protein (lentils, eggs, paneer, fish, lean meat, tofu) and healthy fats.

Weight loss should be gradual, not extreme.

Read More: 10 Foods That Promote Hair Growth & 10 That Prevent Hair Loss Naturally

3. Hot Showers & Harsh Shampoos

Extreme hot showers or harsh shampoos can remove natural oils from the scalp. They leave your scalp dry and hair brittle. Over time, this can cause dandruff, more breakage, and make thinning look worse.

What You Can Do:

• In cold weather, use lukewarm water.

• Look for shampoos that have natural antioxidants such as Vitamin E.

• Always use a low-chemical, paraben-free, milder shampoo (D’Souza & Rathi, 2015)¹³.

• Avoid scrubbing the scalp aggressively with nails.

Best, if you can think of your scalp like facial skin—firm but gentle.

4. Tight Hairstyles & Rough Handling

Daily tight ponytails, high buns, or braids can literally pull hair out of the follicle and result in traction alopecia (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.)¹⁴. Similarly, rough drying/ handling can leave "mechanical stress," making your hair strands more fragile.

What You Can Do:

• Loosen your styles.

• Change hair partings occasionally.

• Avoid aggressive brushing or combing.

• Use a soft t-shirt or microfiber towel to dry your hair.

Many women rub their hair while drying, which can be harsh on hair. You should gently blot your strands instead.

5. Poor Sleep (or Not Having a Regular Sleep Schedule)

Late nights, constant scrolling, and irregular sleep disrupt your body's repair work. An irregular sleep schedule significantly affects your nutrient absorption. That's how it indirectly affects scalp and follicle health (Wu et al., 2025)¹⁵.

What You Can Do:

• Focus on getting at least 8 hours of sleep.

• Aim for a consistent sleep window (even if it's 6.5–7 hours to start).

• Dim screens 30-60 minutes before bed.

• Avoid doomscrolling or consuming caffeine late at night.

Did you know? When you have a consistent sleep schedule, it also regulates your body's internal clock, improving memory and ability to focus.

6. Smoking & Excess Alcohol

Smoking and heavy drinking don't just affect your lungs and liver. They also reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the scalp, and can worsen oxidative stress around follicles (Babadjouni et al., 2021)¹⁶.

What You Can Do:

Best if you can quit smoking and limit your alcohol consumption. However, if quitting feels overwhelming, start with:

• Cutting down the number of cigarettes.

• Increase your alcohol-free days.

• Swapping every second drink for water or a non-alcoholic option.

7. Moving Too Little

The relation between hair loss and exercise is a bit complicated (Choi et al., 2017)¹⁷:

• A sedentary lifestyle can indirectly affect hair through weight gain, insulin resistance, poor circulation, and higher baseline inflammation.

• However, excessive or high-intensity exercise can also lead to hair loss.

You probably need to find the perfect balance!

What You Can Do:

You definitely don't need a gym membership to help your hair. Start with regular walking, light strength exercises at home, and simple stretching, all of which support better blood flow (including to your scalp).

Already overwhelmed, pretty ladies? Don't be. You don't have to fix everything at once. Start slow and make small changes until they become a habit. If you experience severe hair loss, it is always advisable to seek medical advice and treatment.

Also Read: Surprising Health and Beauty Benefits of Colostrum for Women

Nutrients & Supplements for Hair Loss: Do They Work?

For women, hair is more about beauty and confidence. And, these drive a market demand for supplements aimed at "hair, skin, and nails". However, the reality is quite different.

• Hair growth supplements help only if there's a nutritional deficiency (iron, vitamin D, B12, folate, zinc, etc.). This is why getting lab work done is essential. You need to know your specific numbers before starting any supplement protocol. Taking supplements blindly can be ineffective at best, and potentially harmful at worst. A blood test will reveal exactly which nutrients you're actually deficient in, allowing you to address the root cause rather than taking a scattershot approach with multiple supplements.

• You might have heard of biotin for hair or nail growth. But strong data in non-deficient adults is limited and often based on small or uncontrolled studies. Biotin deficiency is rare in otherwise healthy people who eat a varied diet (Almohanna et al., 2019)⁸.

Be sure about your supplements. Over-supplementation with specific nutrients, such as selenium and vitamin A, has been associated with hair loss in some reports. Stacking multiple hair supplements without any medical advice can be harmful at times.

The Final Takeaway

We know hair loss for women is more than just a phase. It significantly affects your confidence. But you don't have to solve it alone. You can always ask for help from dermatologists and doctors (especially in extreme cases). You’ve already taken the first brave step by identifying your scalp health. The following steps can be slow, but definitely powerful:

• Booking an appointment with a dermatologist or a trusted doctor

• Asking about possible causes and tests

• Being open to evidence-based treatments, even if they take months

• Gently adjusting your lifestyle so your body is better supported

And, remember, real processes take time. Hair growth can't happen overnight. It’s often a series of small, quiet wins—less shedding on your pillow, new baby hairs along your part, feeling a little less afraid to wash your hair.

Key Takeaways

• Female hair loss can significantly affect confidence and quality of life.

• Hair loss is a sign, not a stand-alone diagnosis.

• Genetics, hormones, thyroid function, nutrient status, stress, and styling practices may all contribute.

• Evidence-based treatments like topical minoxidil, hormonal therapies, and procedures can help.

• Nutrition, gentle hair care, and stress management are best for long-term benefits.

• Supplements should be targeted and supervised.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with your dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, or hair loss treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much hair loss is normal for women?

It's completely normal for healthy women to lose 50-100 hairs per day.

Q2. How long does stress-related hairfall last?

Stress-related hairfall often starts 2-3 months after a major stressor and can last 3-6 months. Once you address the trigger cause, you can notice significant improvement, though full recovery may even take up to 1 year.

Q3. Which blood tests should I ask about if I have hair loss?

Your doctor may recommend full blood count, ferritin and iron studies, thyroid function tests, vitamin D, and sometimes B12, folate, or androgen levels. Don't analyze yourself; seek expert help.

Q4. When should I seek medical attention for hair loss?

If you're experiencing sudden or extreme hair loss and bald patches, you must see a dermatologist.

References:

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