Is patchy hair loss common in women, and what causes it?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Patchy hair loss in women is a common concern, most often caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This results in smooth, round bald patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. Other potential causes include traction alopecia, fungal infections like tinea capitis, and trichotillomania.

Because patchy hair loss can stem from several different underlying conditions—each requiring a different approach—identifying the cause early is key to effective treatment. If you're noticing unexplained bald spots, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your hair loss and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Patchy hair loss in women is often linked to a condition called alopecia areata. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair falling out in small patches. Other causes of hair loss in women include stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions.

Common Causes:

Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles.
Hormonal Changes: Such as those during pregnancy or menopause.
Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can lead to hair loss.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like fungal infections and thyroid disease can also cause hair loss.

Understanding the cause of hair loss is important for finding the right treatment. If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

(References)

Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, & Allison R. (2017). Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment. American family physician, 28925637.
Mounsey AL, & Reed SW. (2009). Diagnosing and treating hair loss. American family physician, 19678603.
Kaya G, & Tak AY. (2025). Evaluation of SALT score severity in correlation with .... Archives of dermatological research, 40055222.

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