> Quick Answer: Female hair loss is commonly caused by hormonal changes (menopause, postpartum, thyroid), genetics (female pattern hair loss), nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, biotin), stress, and certain medications. Understanding the cause is essential for effective treatment—and many forms of hair loss are treatable.
Hair Loss in Women Is More Common Than You Think
If you're noticing more hair in your brush or shower drain, you're not alone. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that approximately 40% of women will experience visible hair loss by age 501.
Despite how common it is, female hair loss often goes undiagnosed and untreated because many women feel embarrassed to discuss it—even with their doctors.
The Most Common Causes of Female Hair Loss
1. Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a crucial role in hair health. Any significant hormonal shift can trigger hair loss:
Menopause and Perimenopause
As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, hair follicles can shrink and produce thinner strands. A study in Menopause Review found that up to 50% of women experience noticeable hair changes during the menopausal transition2.
Postpartum Hair Loss (Telogen Effluvium)
During pregnancy, elevated estrogen keeps hair in the growth phase. After delivery, hormone levels drop rapidly, pushing many hairs into the shedding phase simultaneously. This typically occurs 2-4 months after giving birth and is temporary3.
Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse hair loss. The thyroid regulates metabolism throughout your body, including in hair follicles. Research in the Indian Journal of Dermatology found thyroid dysfunction in nearly 30% of women presenting with hair loss4.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS causes elevated androgens (male hormones), which can shrink hair follicles on the scalp while increasing hair growth elsewhere. This affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age5.
2. Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
This is the most common cause of hair loss in women, affecting about 30 million in the United States alone6. Unlike male pattern baldness, women typically experience:
- Diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp
- A widening part line
- Preserved frontal hairline
- Gradual progression over years
Female pattern hair loss has a strong genetic component. If your mother or grandmother experienced hair thinning, you may be predisposed.
Effective treatments include:
- Topical or oral minoxidil (the active ingredient in Lush Lox)
- Anti-androgen medications
- Low-level laser therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Your hair requires specific nutrients to grow. Deficiencies can cause noticeable hair loss:
Iron Deficiency
Iron is essential for hair follicle cell division. A study in the Journal of Korean Medical Science found that women with hair loss had significantly lower iron stores than those without7. This is particularly common in women with heavy menstrual periods.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D receptors in hair follicles regulate the hair cycle. Research in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology linked low vitamin D levels to telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss8.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
While severe biotin deficiency is rare, suboptimal levels may contribute to hair thinning. Biotin supports keratin production—the protein that makes up hair structure.
Protein Deficiency
Hair is 95% keratin protein. Inadequate protein intake can force your body to ration this building block away from hair production.
4. Stress-Related Hair Loss
Physical or emotional stress can trigger significant hair shedding:
Telogen Effluvium
Major stressors—surgery, illness, extreme dieting, emotional trauma—can push large numbers of hairs into the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously. Shedding typically occurs 2-3 months after the triggering event9.
Chronic Stress
Ongoing stress elevates cortisol levels, which can:
- Disrupt the hair growth cycle
- Reduce blood flow to the scalp
- Increase inflammation
- Deplete nutrients needed for hair growth
5. Medications and Medical Treatments
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect:
- Blood thinners
- Beta blockers
- Antidepressants
- Birth control pills (starting or stopping)
- Chemotherapy
- Retinoids
- NSAIDs (high doses)
If you suspect medication-related hair loss, consult your provider before making any changes.
6. Autoimmune Conditions
Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune condition causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss. It affects approximately 2% of the population and can occur at any age10.
Lupus and Other Conditions
Systemic autoimmune diseases can cause hair loss as one of many symptoms.
Signs You Should See a Provider
Seek professional evaluation if you experience:
- Sudden or patchy hair loss
- Hair loss accompanied by scalp pain, redness, or scaling
- Hair shedding with other symptoms (fatigue, weight changes, irregular periods)
- No improvement after addressing obvious causes
- Significant distress about hair changes
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Treatment Options That Work
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
The only FDA-approved topical treatment for female pattern hair loss. Studies show that 5% minoxidil improves hair count in 60% of women11. Oral minoxidil at low doses is increasingly used and may be more effective for some women.
Lush Lox, our formula for women, contains oral minoxidil along with supportive nutrients like biotin, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2.
Nutritional Support
Addressing deficiencies can significantly improve hair health:
- Iron supplementation if ferritin is low
- Vitamin D3 (2000-4000 IU daily)
- Biotin (2.5-5 mg daily)
- B-complex vitamins
Lifestyle Modifications
- Stress management techniques
- Adequate protein intake (0.8-1g per pound of body weight)
- Gentle hair care practices
- Regular scalp massage (may improve blood flow)
Professional Treatments
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
- Microneedling
- Prescription medications
Understanding Your Options
Hair loss can feel isolating, but effective treatments exist. The key is identifying your specific cause and matching it with appropriate treatment.
Explore our hair restoration program to learn about clinically-studied formulas designed specifically for women.
References:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products.