Noticing your hair thinning? Wondering how much shedding is normal—or if it's time to consider hair growth treatments? It all depends on what's behind your hair loss. Let's break down five common causes of hair loss in women, how to manage thinning hair, and what positive changes you can make to your weekly beauty routine.
What Causes Female Hair Loss?
1. You’re lacking nutrition
It’s no shock—poor nutrition can take a serious toll on your health, and that includes your hair. If your diet isn’t balanced, if fast food is your go-to, or if you've recently experienced significant weight loss, your hair might be paying the price.
What to do:
If you're unsure how to build a balanced diet, consider seeing a nutritionist. Focus on getting enough zinc, selenium, iron, protein, and healthy fats to support strong, healthy hair. Supplements can also help, but talk to your doctor before starting anything new. The more you learn about hair-loving foods, the more you’ll feel (and look) your best.
2. You’re entering menopause
You expected the hot flashes and mood swings, but hair loss? That one caught you off guard. While menopause itself doesn’t directly cause hair loss, the hormonal shifts that come with it often do. Lower levels of estrogen and progesterone can throw your hair cycle off balance, leaving more strands in the shower drain than usual.
What to do:
Menopause is a natural phase, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with its symptoms alone. Talk with your gynecologist about your options, including whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be right for you. They can help you decide what’s best based on your health, symptoms, and personal goals.
3. You’re taking medication
Some medications—like hormone therapies, thyroid treatments, or even certain types of birth control—can trigger excess shedding or damage hair follicles. Drugs used to treat cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression can also contribute to hair loss.
What to do:
Always follow your doctor’s guidance, but don’t hesitate to ask questions. In some cases, lifestyle changes like getting more exercise can help manage conditions such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, potentially reducing the need for certain medications. Talk with your physician about your options or ask for a referral to a specialist who can help you take a more holistic approach to your health, and your hair.
4. You’re going through a stressful life event
Major emotional stress can affect your body much like a physical illness. Intense psychological strain can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or even sudden shedding in clumps. Even everyday stress takes a toll. Chronic stress weakens your overall health—and your hair shaft along with it. The medical term for this kind of hair loss is alopecia areata.
What to do:
We get it—going through a tough time can feel overwhelming. The good news? Stress-related hair loss is often temporary. As your body recovers, your hair typically does, too. For ongoing stress, focus on small, positive changes: move your body, try mindfulness practices, or spend time doing things you love. These activities help release feel-good endorphins and support both your emotional health and your hair.
5. Your hair loss is genetic
You may have seen it coming—if your mother or grandmother experienced thinning hair, you might, too. Hereditary hair loss, also known as female pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia, is one of the most common causes of hair thinning in women. It’s rooted in your genes and can progress gradually over time.
What to do:
Unlike some other causes of hair loss, genetic hair loss often requires targeted treatment. While medications and surgical options exist, they aren’t ideal for everyone. That’s where laser hair therapy comes in. The Theradome PRO and EVO laser helmets offer a non-invasive, FDA-cleared solution designed to stimulate hair regrowth safely and effectively.
Thousands have already seen transformative results with Theradome. If you’re ready to take control of your hair health and join the growing number of women reclaiming their confidence, then Theradome can help you get there.
