What causes hair loss in women?

The main factors that can contribute to hair loss in women include:

• Hormonal changes: pregnancy, postpartum period, menopause and other hormonal imbalances
• Genetic predisposition (familial hair loss) — e.g., Androgenetic alopecia
• Physical or emotional stress, hair shedding following serious illness or surgery — e.g., telogen effluvium
• Endocrine problems such as thyroid diseases
• Nutritional causes such as deficiencies of iron, protein or certain vitamins

To narrow down possible causes, clinicians commonly ask the following:

• How long has the hair loss been going on?
• Is there a family history of similar hair loss?
• Have you had a recent period of major stress, high fever, surgery, or severe illness?
• Do you have chronic medical conditions or regular medications? Any new medications recently started?
• Are there scalp symptoms such as itching, redness, scaling, or hair breakage?

The following specialties are commonly involved in evaluation and management:

• Dermatology and Venereal Diseases: scalp and hair examination, initial assessment
• Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases: when hormonal or thyroid evaluation is needed
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology: for menstrual irregularities, pregnancy-related concerns or suspected PCOS
• Family Medicine: initial assessment and coordination of referrals

Choice of specialist depends on the findings; an initial dermatology assessment is frequently the first step.

The following low-risk approaches are for general care and comfort and do not replace medical treatment:

• Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat and frequent chemical procedures that strain the hair
• Maintain a balanced diet, adequate fluid intake and regular sleep
• Address stress with relaxation techniques and consider psychosocial support if needed
• If new or worsening scalp symptoms appear, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional

If you suspect a nutritional deficiency or medication-related effect, discuss evaluation with a healthcare professional.