Written by Kael Veydris, Pharma-D

Medically reviewed by Dr. Aditya Shah, MD

Published October 13, 2026 Updated October 13, 2026

4.5 / 5 40 reader reviews

Trusted by 250,000+ Australians Real customers. Real experiences.

Hair loss in women is far more common than most people realise, and it is rarely caused by just one thing. Genetics, childbirth, illness, nutritional deficiencies, medicines, scalp conditions, stress, and hormonal changes can all play a role. Some women notice increased shedding that comes on suddenly, while others see a gradual thinning over months or years. Understanding the difference between temporary shedding and progressive hair loss is important because the right approach depends entirely on what is causing the problem. This guide walks you through the common causes, how hair loss is diagnosed, the treatment options available in Australia, and when it makes sense to see a doctor rather than wait it out.

What Is Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss is a broad term that covers everything from slightly increased daily shedding to noticeable thinning and bald patches. Some degree of hair fall is completely normal, but when the amount of hair being lost exceeds the amount growing back, or when the pattern of loss changes, it may signal an underlying issue that deserves attention.

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal in Women?

It is often said that losing around 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, and for many women that is roughly accurate. But shedding varies from person to person, and factors like hair length, washing frequency, and season can all affect how much hair you notice falling out.

Counting every fallen hair is not a reliable way to assess whether you have a problem. A more practical approach is to look for changes over time. Has your part become wider? Is your scalp more visible than it used to be? Are you noticing more hair in the shower drain or on your pillow than you did six months ago? These observations are far more useful than trying to count individual strands.

Hair Shedding vs Hair Thinning vs Hair Breakage

These three terms describe different things, and telling them apart matters because each points to a different underlying cause.

Shedding usually means hairs are falling from the root. Thinning means the overall density of your hair is decreasing over time. Breakage means the hair shaft is snapping, which is often related to styling damage rather than a medical condition. Patchy loss can point to an autoimmune or inflammatory process. Recognising which pattern you are experiencing helps your doctor narrow down the cause.

What Are the Main Causes of Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss is not a single condition with a single cause. Different triggers affect the hair cycle in different ways, and in some women more than one factor is at play. Here are the most common causes explained individually.

Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Female pattern hair loss is the most common form of progressive hair loss in women. It is linked to a genetic predisposition and the way hair follicles respond to androgens, which are male hormones that women also produce in smaller amounts.

Women with female pattern hair loss typically notice gradual thinning around the crown and a widening of the central part. The hairline usually stays intact, which is one of the differences from male pattern baldness. Importantly, female pattern hair loss can occur even when hormone levels are within the normal range. The issue is not necessarily about having too much testosterone but about how sensitive the follicles are to it.

Because this type of hair loss is progressive, early assessment can help preserve existing hair. The sooner the cause is identified, the more options there tend to be for slowing the process down.

Telogen Effluvium (Sudden or Excessive Hair Shedding)

Telogen effluvium is a condition where a larger than normal proportion of hair follicles enter the resting and shedding phase at the same time. Instead of the usual 10 percent or so of hairs being in the shedding phase, a much larger percentage shifts into this phase, leading to noticeable hair fall.

Common triggers include childbirth, major illness, surgery, significant psychological stress, sudden weight loss, and certain nutritional deficiencies. One of the confusing things about telogen effluvium is the timing. Shedding often starts two to three months after the trigger, which means a woman might start losing hair in October due to something that happened in July. This delay can make it hard to connect the hair loss to its cause.

In many cases, telogen effluvium resolves on its own once the trigger is addressed. However, if shedding continues for more than six months or is particularly severe, it warrants medical assessment because ongoing shedding may point to a persistent underlying issue.

Hormonal Changes, Perimenopause and Menopause

Some women notice hair thinning around the time of menopause, and it is tempting to assume that hormonal changes are the direct cause. The reality is more nuanced. Menopause coincides with ageing, and several overlapping factors can contribute to hair changes during this time, including age-related pattern hair loss, thyroid conditions, and iron deficiency.

Australian health organisations note that the evidence is still insufficient to determine exactly how much menopausal hair thinning is directly attributable to hormonal changes versus other age-related factors. This means that while menopause may play a role, it should not be assumed to be the sole cause without proper assessment.

Postpartum Hair Loss After Pregnancy

Many women experience increased hair shedding after giving birth. During pregnancy, higher hormone levels keep more hair in the growing phase, which is why hair often looks thicker during pregnancy. After childbirth, hormone levels drop, and a larger proportion of hair shifts into the shedding phase.

Postpartum shedding typically begins a few months after delivery and tends to resolve gradually over the following months as the hair cycle returns to its normal rhythm. Most women do not need treatment for this, but it is important to distinguish between expected postpartum shedding and hair loss that is prolonged or unusually severe.

If shedding continues well beyond the expected recovery period or is accompanied by other symptoms, a medical review is worthwhile. Breastfeeding is also a consideration, as some hair loss treatments are not recommended during breastfeeding.

Iron Deficiency, Low Nutrient Intake and Restrictive Diets

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional factors associated with hair loss in women, particularly in women who have heavy periods or follow restrictive diets. Low ferritin levels, which indicate reduced iron stores, may contribute to increased shedding.

Inadequate protein intake and deficiencies in other nutrients can also play a role. Crash diets, very low calorie eating plans, and poorly balanced vegetarian or vegan diets may not provide enough of the nutrients needed for healthy hair growth.

The key point here is that blood tests and clinical history matter. If iron deficiency is confirmed, treating it under medical guidance may help. But taking iron supplements solely because your hair is thinning, without knowing whether you actually have a deficiency, is not advisable. The same applies to zinc and high dose biotin supplements. Taking nutrients you do not need will not help your hair and may cause other problems.

Thyroid Conditions and Other Medical Causes

Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can contribute to hair loss. Thyroid-related hair loss is often more widespread than patterned and may improve once the thyroid condition is treated.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another condition that can be associated with hair thinning, particularly when other symptoms suggest androgen excess. However, not every woman with PCOS experiences hair loss, and not every case of hair loss in a woman with PCOS is caused by the syndrome.

Autoimmune conditions, scalp infections, and certain medicines can also contribute to hair loss. Some blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and retinoids have been associated with increased shedding in some people. If you suspect a medicine may be contributing to your hair loss, speak with your doctor before making any changes. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Stress, Rapid Weight Loss and Physical Illness

Significant stress, whether emotional or physical, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger shedding. As with telogen effluvium, there is often a delay between the stressful event and the visible hair loss, which can make the connection hard to spot.

Rapid weight loss, particularly from crash dieting or after certain surgeries, can also trigger shedding. Physical illness, especially if it involves a high fever or a prolonged recovery, may have a similar effect.

It is important not to automatically blame every case of hair loss on stress. While stress can be a factor, ongoing or progressive hair loss deserves a proper medical assessment to check for other causes. Assuming it is just stress may mean missing a treatable condition.

Tight Hairstyles, Heat Damage and Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair follicles. Tight ponytails, braids, buns, and hair extensions can all place sustained pull on the hair, and over time this can damage the follicles. If the tension is relieved early enough, the hair may recover. But persistent traction over months or years can lead to permanent follicle damage.

Chemical treatments and excessive heat styling can also contribute to hair breakage, which is different from hair loss at the root but can still leave the hair looking thin and damaged. Reducing tension and heat can help protect the hair from further damage.

Alopecia Areata and Scarring Alopecia

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing smooth, often round patches of hair loss. The scalp usually looks completely normal in the affected areas, with no scaling or redness. Alopecia areata can affect people of any age and may run in families.

Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, involves inflammation that damages the hair follicle and replaces it with scar tissue. Once the follicle is scarred, hair cannot regrow in that area. This is why early medical assessment is important, particularly if you notice scalp pain, redness, burning, or shiny patches where hair follicles appear to have disappeared.

How to Recognise the Type of Hair Loss You Have

The pattern of your hair loss can offer clues about the underlying cause. The table below summarises common patterns and what they may suggest.

These patterns can overlap, and a symptom table cannot establish a diagnosis. If you are unsure what is causing your hair loss, the only way to know for certain is to see a healthcare professional for a proper assessment.

How Is Hair Loss in Women Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hair loss involves more than looking at the scalp. A good assessment takes into account your medical history, the pattern and timing of the hair loss, any other symptoms, and the results of targeted investigations.

What Your GP or Dermatologist May Ask

Your doctor will likely ask a range of questions to understand your situation. These may include:

• When the hair loss started and how quickly it developed
• Whether the problem is shedding, thinning, or patchy loss
• Whether you have had a recent pregnancy, illness, surgery, or significant stress
• Any recent weight changes or dietary changes
• Menstrual changes, such as heavier or more frequent periods
• Medicines you are currently taking or have recently started
• Family history of hair loss
• Any scalp symptoms such as itching, pain, redness, or burning

The answers to these questions help your doctor narrow down the possible causes and decide which tests, if any, are needed.

Blood Tests for Female Hair Loss

Blood tests are not the same for every woman. They are selected based on your history and examination. Tests that may be considered include:

• Full blood count and iron studies, including ferritin, where iron deficiency is suspected
• Thyroid function tests, where thyroid disease is a possibility
• Hormone investigations, when symptoms suggest androgen excess or another endocrine condition
• Additional nutrient tests, if your history points to a possible deficiency

There is no universal blood test panel for hair loss, and not every woman needs hormone testing. Ordering a broad range of tests without a clinical reason is not helpful and may lead to unnecessary worry or treatment.

Scalp Examination and Further Testing

Your doctor may examine your scalp and hair distribution to look for signs of inflammation, scarring, or specific patterns of loss. In some cases, a dermoscopy, which uses a magnifying tool to examine the scalp in detail, or a hair pull test, where a small number of hairs are gently pulled to see how many come out, may be performed.

If the diagnosis remains uncertain or a scarring condition is suspected, a scalp biopsy may be recommended. This involves taking a small sample of scalp tissue for examination under a microscope, which can help identify the specific type of hair loss and guide treatment.

What Is the Best Treatment for Hair Loss in Women?

There is no single best treatment for hair loss in women because treatment depends entirely on the cause. What works for female pattern hair loss will not help if the underlying issue is iron deficiency or a thyroid condition. This is why getting a diagnosis first matters so much.

Topical Minoxidil for Female Pattern Hair Loss

Topical minoxidil is one of the most widely used treatments for female pattern hair loss. It is available over the counter in Australia, usually as a 2 percent or 5 percent solution or foam applied directly to the scalp.

Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and extending the growing phase of the hair cycle. For some women, it can slow hair loss and support regrowth. However, it does not work for everyone, and results take time. It is generally recommended to use it consistently for at least three to six months before assessing whether it is helping.

Some women experience increased shedding in the first few weeks of use, which can be alarming but is often temporary as the hair cycle adjusts. Other possible side effects include scalp irritation and unwanted facial hair growth. Treatment usually needs to be continued long term to maintain any benefits, as hair loss may resume if the treatment is stopped.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain heart or blood pressure conditions, speak with your doctor before using minoxidil. Always follow the product label and the advice of an Australian pharmacist or doctor rather than assuming that instructions from overseas products apply.

Treating Iron Deficiency or Thyroid Problems

If a blood test confirms iron deficiency, treating it under medical guidance may help reduce hair shedding. However, correcting a deficiency does not guarantee regrowth if another cause is also present. For example, a woman could have both iron deficiency and female pattern hair loss, and treating the iron deficiency alone may not stop the pattern hair loss from progressing.

The same principle applies to thyroid conditions. Treating an underactive or overactive thyroid may improve hair loss related to the thyroid condition, but if another cause is also contributing, it will need to be addressed separately.

Taking iron supplements solely because your hair is thinning, without confirming a deficiency, is not recommended. Iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal side effects and may be harmful if your iron levels are already normal.

Prescription Treatments for Female Hair Loss

Some prescription medicines may be considered for female hair loss, particularly when female pattern hair loss is the diagnosis and over the counter options have not been effective. Spironolactone is one such medicine that is sometimes used under specialist guidance. It works by reducing the effects of androgens on hair follicles.

The suitability of any prescription treatment depends on the diagnosis, your full medical history, and potential side effects. Anti androgen medicines such as spironolactone are not suitable during pregnancy, as they may affect a developing fetus. These medicines should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional and should never be used for self treatment.

Low Dose Oral Minoxidil

Oral minoxidil is a clinician supervised, off label option that is being used in some settings for female hair loss. It differs from topical minoxidil in that it is taken as a tablet rather than applied to the scalp.

Oral minoxidil may affect blood pressure, heart rate, and fluid balance, which is why it needs to be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. It is not a self prescribing option, and the dose must be determined by a clinician based on your individual circumstances. If you are interested in this option, discuss it with your doctor or a dermatologist to see whether it is appropriate for you.

Treatment for Alopecia Areata or Scarring Conditions

Alopecia areata and scarring alopecia require specialist directed treatment because the underlying causes are very different from pattern hair loss. Minoxidil alone may not address the autoimmune or inflammatory process driving the hair loss.

For alopecia areata, treatments may include topical or injected steroids and other immune modulating therapies, depending on the extent and severity of the condition. For scarring alopecia, early intervention is critical because once follicles are scarred, hair cannot regrow in those areas. If you suspect scarring or inflammation, seek prompt assessment from a dermatologist.

Do Hair Growth Supplements, Oils, PRP and Laser Treatments Work?

The evidence for many popular hair growth treatments varies widely. It helps to group them into three categories.

Correcting a confirmed deficiency: If a blood test shows that you are deficient in a nutrient such as iron or vitamin D, correcting that deficiency under medical guidance may help your hair. This is the most evidence based use of supplements for hair loss.

Supplements and hair oils: Biotin, rosemary oil, collagen, and various hair supplements are heavily marketed for hair growth. The evidence supporting these products is mixed at best. Biotin supplements are only likely to help if you have an actual biotin deficiency, which is rare. Rosemary oil and collagen have some limited research but not enough to recommend them as proven treatments. Avoid promising yourself regrowth from these products, and avoid spending large amounts of money on supplements that may not help.

PRP and low level laser devices: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy and low level laser therapy devices have been studied for hair loss, but the evidence varies and results differ between individuals. These options can be expensive and may require ongoing sessions to maintain any benefits. If you are considering PRP or laser therapy, talk to a dermatologist about whether it is suitable for your specific type of hair loss and what results you can realistically expect.

None of these options should be considered a proven universal treatment. What helps one person may not help another, and the right choice depends on the underlying cause of your hair loss.

How to Prevent Further Hair Damage and Support Healthy Hair

While lifestyle changes cannot cure genetic hair loss, they can help protect your hair from unnecessary damage and support overall hair health. Here are some practical steps:

• Avoid hairstyles that pull on the scalp, such as tight ponytails, tight braids, and heavy extensions
• Reduce unnecessary heat styling and harsh chemical treatments
• Detangle your hair gently and avoid aggressive brushing, especially when the hair is wet
• Maintain a balanced diet with adequate protein, iron, and overall nutrition
• Avoid crash dieting and seek medical advice for ongoing unintentional weight loss
• Track changes in your hair with consistent photographs taken under similar lighting, rather than trying to count fallen hairs each day

These measures will not reverse pattern hair loss on their own, but they can help you avoid making the problem worse and give you a clearer picture of whether your hair loss is progressing.

When Should You See a Doctor About Hair Loss?

Knowing when to seek medical advice is one of the most valuable things this guide can offer. Hair loss can be distressing, and in many cases it is temporary or benign. But there are specific situations where a medical assessment is important.

Book a GP Appointment If

• Your hair shedding is persistent, increasing, or occurring in clumps
• Your part is widening or your scalp is becoming more visible
• Hair loss continues after childbirth or a major illness beyond the expected recovery period
• You are also experiencing fatigue, heavy periods, menstrual irregularity, or other unexplained symptoms
• Hair loss is affecting your wellbeing or causing you significant distress

Seek Prompt Assessment for Warning Signs

• Sudden, extensive, or rapidly progressing hair loss
• A painful, inflamed, or burning scalp
• Bald patches accompanied by eyebrow or body hair loss
• Shiny or scarred looking scalp areas, or loss of visible hair follicle openings

Not every case of hair loss is an emergency. Most are not. But suspected scarring alopecia warrants timely assessment because once follicles are damaged and scarred, the hair loss can become permanent. The earlier the cause is identified, the more can be done to preserve your hair.

Hair Loss Treatment in Australia: Where to Get Help

If you are in Australia, the pathway to getting help for hair loss is straightforward.

Start with your general practitioner (GP). Your GP can take a detailed history, examine your scalp, order appropriate blood tests, and discuss initial treatment options. In many cases, a GP can diagnose and manage common forms of hair loss without the need for a specialist referral.

If the cause is unclear, treatment is not working, or a complex scalp condition is suspected, ask your GP about a referral to a dermatologist. A dermatologist can perform more specialised examinations such as dermoscopy and scalp biopsy, and can recommend treatments that are not available over the counter.

Your local Australian pharmacist is also a useful resource, particularly for advice on the correct use and precautions of non prescription products such as topical minoxidil. Pharmacists can help you understand how to use a product properly and what side effects to watch for.

For reliable information, use Australian healthdirect medicine information and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) medicine safety resources. Before using any hair loss product, check its registration status, ingredient details, and approved indications through the TGA. This helps ensure that what you are using has been assessed for quality and safety within the Australian regulatory framework.

Conclusion

Hair loss in women has many possible causes, from genetics and hormones to nutrition, stress, and scalp conditions. The most important takeaway is that identifying the cause matters before choosing any treatment. What helps with female pattern hair loss will not help if the real problem is iron deficiency or a thyroid condition, and taking supplements or trying popular remedies without a proper diagnosis may waste your time and money.

If you are experiencing hair loss that is persistent, increasing, or causing you concern, the best first step is to see your GP. They can assess your situation, order the right tests, and guide you toward evidence based treatment options. In Australia, you also have access to dermatologists for more complex cases and pharmacists for advice on non prescription products. Your hair deserves a proper assessment, not a guess.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment for hair loss. This article does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual circumstances vary, and the information in this guide should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical care.