What are the main causes of hair loss in women?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Hair loss in women is most commonly caused by genetics and hormonal changes, which often result in a condition known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL). This type of hair thinning typically appears as gradual shedding along the part line or overall reduced density on the crown. Other contributing factors can include thyroid imbalances, postpartum hormone shifts, menopause, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.

Because hair loss can stem from many overlapping causes, identifying the root issue early is key to effective treatment. If you're noticing thinning or shedding, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your hair loss and get clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes and can help you decide whether to see a dermatologist, endocrinologist, or primary care provider — saving you time, worry, and unnecessary guesswork.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of your hair loss Learn if hair loss needs care See if hair loss signals illness Find OTC options for hair loss Find a doctor for hair loss Discover home remedies for hair loss Understand likely causes of sudden hair loss

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Explanation

Hair loss in women can have several causes, one of the most common being female pattern hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually due to a mix of genetics and hormones.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women:

Genetics: If your family members have hair loss, you might have it too. This is because of genes passed down from parents.
Hormones: Changes in hormones, like those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause hair loss.
Aging: As women get older, hair can become thinner and fall out more easily.

Female pattern hair loss usually starts with thinning hair on the top of the head. It can be gradual and might not be noticeable at first. If you notice more hair falling out or thinning, you can use our free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine if you should talk to a doctor about treatment options.

(References)

Bertoli MJ, Sadoughifar R, Schwartz RA, Lotti TM, & Janniger CK. (2020). Female pattern hair loss: A comprehensive review. Dermatologic therapy, 32700775.
Bhat YJ, Saqib NU, Latif I, & Hassan I. (2020). Female Pattern Hair Loss-An Update. Indian dermatology online journal, 32832434.
Ramos PM, & Miot HA. (2015). Female Pattern Hair Loss: a clinical and .... Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 26375223.

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