Is Seasonal Hair Loss to Blame for My Thinning Hair?'

Name: Doris

Question: Hi, yes I read your article on Seasonal Hair Loss: Myth or Reality? My thing is hair loss on top of the head and very thin, it takes a year to grow in this length on top but still hasn’t caught up with the sides.

Answer: Hello Doris. Although women can experience a higher level of shedding from around mid-October to November, from what you say, it sounds like your thinning hair is more likely to be caused by female pattern hair loss.

Researchers have found that seasonal hair loss causes generalised shedding during these autumn months, however, this hair fall tends to affect the head as a whole, rather than just the specific areas you mention.

Female pattern hair loss is a genetic condition which tends to display as thinning hair and affects the top of the head from crown to hairline, including the temples. The location of your particular shedding ties in perfectly with the signs of female hair loss. This type of hereditary hair loss can be passed down from either your mother or father's side of the family.

It is possible to treat female hair loss by following a comprehensive hair loss treatment programme featuring the medically-proven preparation, minoxidil. This is the only hair loss medication licensed by the MHRA and approved by its American counterpart, the FDA, for the treatment of female pattern hair loss. You can find a number of examples of women who have sought treatment for female hair loss with us in our extensive Hair Loss Success Stories gallery.

You can find out more about the range of high strength minoxidil formulations available from Belgravia's in-clinic pharmacies, and our personalised treatment plans for hair loss in women, by getting in touch via the Contact Us page, or by calling 020 7730 6666.

Whilst, from the information you have provided, it sounds like your hair loss is most likely to be caused by female hair loss, there are other hair loss conditions that can cause thinning hair in women, including Telogen Effluvium and Diffuse Hair Loss (Chronic Telogen Effluvium), which should be ruled out. We would recommend you visit a hair loss specialist for a professional diagnosis of your condition before commencing treatment.

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Related stories:

Early Signs of Hair Loss in Women

Women's Guide to Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)

Thinning Hair - Am I Losing It?