Hair loss is one of the most worrying concerns for women and can happen at any age. The good news is that most causes can be diagnosed and treated, especially when you start early.
What is normal?
The scalp usually sheds 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the natural hair cycle — and it can look like more on wash days.
Signs worth investigating
- Sudden heavy shedding lasting more than three months.
- A widening parting in the middle of the scalp.
- Patches with no hair.
- Itching, redness or scaling of the scalp.
- Hair loss with other symptoms, such as irregular periods or marked fatigue.
The most common causes
1. Telogen effluvium (temporary shedding)
Appears two to three months after a shock to the body — childbirth, a crash diet, high fever or severe stress — and usually improves once the cause is addressed.
2. Iron and vitamin D deficiency
Very common among women in the region, even in a sunny country, because so much time is spent indoors in air-conditioning.
3. Thyroid and hormonal imbalance
Such as an underactive thyroid, or polycystic ovaries, which can thin the hair on the top of the scalp.
4. Female pattern hair loss
Gradual thinning at the parting and crown, usually keeping the front hairline. It responds well to early treatment.
5. Traction and styling
Tight hairstyles, high heat and frequent colouring.
Usual tests
After a clinical and dermoscopic scalp examination, your doctor may request a blood count, iron stores (ferritin), vitamin D, thyroid function and certain hormones where needed.
Treatment options
- Treating the cause — correcting iron deficiency or balancing the thyroid.
- Topical or oral treatments depending on the diagnosis.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and scalp boosters as part of a hair restoration programme.
Patience is part of treatment: the hair cycle is slow, and clear improvement usually shows after 3 to 6 months of consistency.
If shedding worries you, book a consultation to pinpoint the cause before trying random products.
This article is for general education and does not replace a medical consultation.