27/08/2026
Hair loss covers so many things.
Shedding, thinning, breakage, patches and a receding hairline all look different, and they can point us in different directions when we’re trying to work out the cause.
Shedding is about increased hair falling out. If it starts suddenly, we often look back 2–3 months for a trigger such as being unwell, surgery, stress, rapid weight loss, or starting a GLP-1 medication. Hormone changes, heavy periods, low ferritin and thyroid problems are also common things that can cause this pattern.
Thinning is more about loss of density. A parting that suddenly looks more obvious or wider, more visible scalp or a less full ponytail can fit with female pattern hair loss, which is often influenced by genetics and hormones. Low iron and thyroid problems can contribute too.
Breakage means the hair shaft is snapping rather than the whole hair coming out from the root. Heat, bleach, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles and repeated traction eg extensions are common causes.
Patches are different again. Clearly defined areas of missing hair can be linked to alopecia areata, scalp infection or inflammatory and scarring conditions. Patchy loss should not simply be blamed on hormones.
A receding hairline, especially around the temples, can be linked to traction from tight hairstyles, female pattern hair loss or some types of scarring alopecia.
Hormones are not the explanation for every case of hair loss, but they can affect the hair cycle at different stages of life, including after pregnancy, during perimenopause and after menopause.
Starting with the pattern of hair change means we can work backwards to find out the cause and arrange any tests and investigations to know how to treat it.
