Losing one's hair is always a unsettling experience.
Contrary to popular belief, hair loss in women is not only related to menopause or old age. It can appear at 20, 30, after pregnancy, during a change in contraception, after a period of intense stress or even in connection with repeated heavy periods.
While losing between 50 and 100 hairs per day is normal, persistent, diffuse or unusual hair loss should be investigated.
Because in the majority of cases, hair loss is a symptom, not a fatality.
Understanding its causes allows for effective action.
Understanding the hair cycle: the scientific basis
Each hair follows a precise biological cycle:
Anagen phase (growth)
Duration: 2 to 6 years
85 to 90% of hair is in this phase.
Catagen phase (transition)
Duration: 2 to 3 weeks.
Telogen phase (rest and shedding)
Duration: 2 to 3 months.
When the body experiences physiological or hormonal stress, a large number of hairs simultaneously enter the telogen phase: this is telogen effluvium, the most frequent form in women.
Hair loss often appears 2 to 4 months after the triggering factor.
The most frequent causes of hair loss in women
1. Hormonal fluctuations
Female hormones play a central role in hair growth.
Estrogens prolong the anagen phase.
A sudden drop can accelerate hair loss.
Affected situations:
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Stopping or changing the pill
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Postpartum
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
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Perimenopause
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Menopause
After childbirth, for example, hair loss usually occurs 2 to 3 months later, when estrogen levels drop sharply.
2. Heavy periods and iron deficiency
This is one of the most underestimated causes.
Heavy periods (menorrhagia) can lead to progressive iron deficiency, sometimes silent.
Iron is essential for oxygenating the hair follicle.
When ferritin (iron reserves) decreases:
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The follicle receives less oxygen
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The growth phase shortens
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Hair loss increases
Associated symptoms:
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Persistent fatigue
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Shortness of breath
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Brittle nails
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Paleness
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Feeling cold
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Diffuse hair loss
Many women consider very heavy periods as "normal", when they can impact their overall health.
In our article dedicated to heavy periods, we explain how to recognize excessive flow and when to consult.
Appropriate management of flow — particularly with ultra-absorbent menstrual underwear — allows for better observation of one's cycle and detection of anomalies.
Even if menstrual underwear does not directly affect hair loss, it contributes to a more conscious and serene approach to the female cycle.
And it is often by better understanding one's cycle that a deficiency is detected.
3. Chronic stress
Stress acts via cortisol.
An emotional shock, burnout, or a period of intense overload can cause massive effluvium 2 to 4 months later.
Stress disrupts:
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scalp microcirculation
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hormonal balance
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sleep
4. Thyroid disorders
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common causes.
Associated signs:
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Extreme fatigue
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Unexplained weight gain or loss
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Cold sensitivity
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Menstrual cycle disorders
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Dry skin
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Constipation
A simple TSH dosage allows for initial screening.
5. Nutritional deficiencies
Hair is very sensitive to deficiencies:
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Iron
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Zinc
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Vitamin D
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Proteins
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B vitamins (especially B8)
Restrictive diets or poorly balanced veganism can weaken the hair fiber.
6. Female androgenetic alopecia
It affects approximately 10 to 15% of women.
It manifests as:
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Progressive widening of the part
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Loss of density on the crown
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Thinner hair
It is hormone-dependent and requires dermatological follow-up.
When to consult?
Consult if:
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Hair loss lasts more than 6 months
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You are losing handfuls of hair
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You have hairless patches
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Hair loss is accompanied by intense fatigue
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Your periods are abnormally heavy
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Your cycle becomes irregular
A doctor may prescribe:
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Ferritin
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Blood count
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TSH
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Hormonal balance
Concrete solutions to limit hair loss
1. Conduct a biological assessment
Before any supplementation.
An ideal ferritin level for hair is often above 50 ng/mL.
2. Correct an iron deficiency
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Medical supplementation
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Dietary iron (red meat, lentils, spinach)
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Vitamin C for absorption
If heavy periods are the cause, it is essential to discuss it with your doctor.
3. Stabilize your menstrual cycle
An irregular cycle can reveal a hormonal imbalance.
Better understanding your menstrual cycle allows you to:
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anticipate fatigue
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identify anomalies
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act sooner
In our complete guide on the cycle, we explain how to monitor its hormonal variations.
4. Reduce stress
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Heart coherence
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Gentle physical activity
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Regular sleep
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Meditation
5. Adapted hair care
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Avoid traction
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Limit excessive heat
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Scalp massages
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Clinically validated stimulating serums
Holistic approach: hair and women's health
Hair loss is not just aesthetic.
It often reflects:
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A hormonal imbalance
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Chronic fatigue
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A deficiency
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Prolonged stress
Taking care of one's cycle, observing one's periods, understanding one's menstrual flow - these are valuable health indicators.
A holistic approach to women's well-being includes:
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Listening to bodily signals
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Cycle tracking
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Adapted period management
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Deficiency prevention
Hair health begins with inner health.
FAQ
Can heavy periods cause hair loss?
Yes, through the iron deficiency they can cause.
How long does hormonal hair loss last?
Generally 3 to 6 months if the cause is corrected.
Is hair loss after stopping the pill normal?
Yes, it can occur 2 to 4 months after discontinuation.
Should I take food supplements?
Only after assessment.
Is hair loss reversible?
In the majority of effluviums, yes.
Hair loss in women is common.
But it is never insignificant when it becomes persistent.
It can reveal:
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iron deficiency linked to heavy periods
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a hormonal imbalance
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a thyroid disorder
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chronic stress
Acting effectively requires a holistic approach.
Observing your cycle, understanding your menstrual flow, monitoring your fatigue...
Hair is often a mirror of inner balance.