Why Women Lose Hair: 7 Common Causes, the Right Tests and Where Homoeopathy Fits
Dr. Meenakshi Shriwas, BHMS MD PhD 2026-04-21Updated 1 Nov 2026⏱ 9 min read
Finding more hair on the comb, pillow or bathroom floor is distressing, and women are often told it is "just stress" without being properly checked. Hair loss in women usually has an identifiable cause, and sometimes more than one. This guide explains the difference between shedding and thinning, the seven most common causes, the tests worth asking for, gentle hair care, and where homoeopathic care fits.
Shedding or thinning?
Losing around 50–100 hairs a day is normal. Shedding means more hairs falling than usual, often in clumps, while the parting may still look normal. Thinning means the hair gradually becomes finer and the scalp shows more, especially along the parting. The two have different causes, and many women have both.
Seven common causes
1. Shedding after a trigger (telogen effluvium) — two to three months after high fever, dengue, typhoid, COVID-19, surgery, a crash diet or major stress, many hairs enter the resting phase and fall together. It usually settles once the trigger has passed, although it can take months.
2. After childbirth — postpartum shedding often starts around three months after delivery.
3. Iron deficiency — low ferritin (iron stores) is very common in Indian women, especially with heavy periods or a vegetarian diet.
4. Thyroid problems — both underactive and overactive thyroid can cause diffuse hair fall.
5. PCOS and higher androgens — thinning at the crown or parting, often with acne, irregular periods or extra facial hair.
6. Female pattern hair loss — gradual widening of the parting with age, often with a family history; it can begin in the twenties.
7. Styling and traction — tight buns, braids, extensions, frequent heat and chemical treatments can damage hair or pull out follicles at the hairline.
Other causes include alopecia areata (round bald patches), scalp conditions such as dandruff or psoriasis, and some medicines.
Tests worth discussing with your doctor
Complete blood count and ferritin.
Thyroid test (TSH).
Vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Hormone tests and a pelvic ultrasound if there are signs of PCOS.
A scalp examination, sometimes with dermoscopy, to see whether follicles are miniaturising or inflamed.
Gentle daily hair care
Wash as often as your scalp needs — regular washing does not cause hair loss.
Avoid very tight hairstyles, and limit heat styling and chemical treatments.
Eat enough protein, iron-rich foods and a varied diet; avoid crash diets.
Be cautious with oils and products promising fast regrowth.
Do not take high-dose biotin unless advised — it rarely helps without a deficiency and can interfere with some blood tests, including thyroid tests.
Common myths
"Washing hair often makes it fall." Hairs that were already loose come out during washing; washing does not cause the loss.
"Daily oiling makes hair grow faster." Oil can condition hair, but it does not speed growth or stop medical causes of hair loss.
"Cutting hair short makes it thicker." Cutting does not change the number or thickness of hairs growing from the scalp.
"Heavy shedding means I will go bald." Shedding after a trigger often settles; the cause decides the outlook.
When to see a doctor promptly
Smooth round bald patches, patches of redness or scaling, scalp pain or burning, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, or very sudden heavy loss all need prompt assessment.
Where homoeopathic care fits
Hair loss is one of the conditions for which homoeopathy is offered only as supportive care. In the consultation Dr. Meenakshi looks at the pattern of loss, recent illnesses, periods, pregnancy history, diet, stress, sleep, scalp condition and your reports, and care is individualised alongside correcting any deficiency and your doctor's treatment. No regrowth is promised, and progress is reviewed honestly at each follow-up. More: female hair loss — clinic page · hair fall.
Worried About Hair Fall?
Book a consultation and bring your blood reports — ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D and B12 if done.
Around 50–100 hairs a day is usual. More than that for several weeks, or visible thinning, is worth checking.
Why did my hair start falling three months after dengue or fever?
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High fever and illness push many hairs into the resting phase at once; they fall two to three months later. This is called telogen effluvium and usually settles once the trigger has passed.
Can low iron cause hair fall even if my haemoglobin is normal?
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Yes. Iron stores (ferritin) can be low before haemoglobin drops, so ask for a ferritin test if you have hair fall.
Should I take biotin for hair fall?
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Only if your doctor advises it. Biotin rarely helps without a deficiency, and high doses can affect some blood tests, including thyroid tests.
Can I use minoxidil or other treatments my dermatologist prescribed?
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Yes. Prescribed treatments continue as advised; tell both doctors everything you use.
Does hair loss after delivery settle?
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Postpartum shedding usually settles over the following months. If thinning continues beyond about a year, or there are other symptoms, get it checked.
