Rapidly Thinning Hair and Increased Hair Fall for Six Months'

Catherine

Question: I'm a 30 year old female and over the last 6 months have noticed shedding of my hair and thinning rapidly. I have always had fine hair so it’s getting noticeable. I’m not finding bald patches just thinning and loss of hair.

Answer: Hi, Catherine. We cannot diagnose the precise reason for your hair loss from the limited information you give here. There are a number of conditions which cause thinning hair in women and many last for six months or more.

The first thing to consider would be the location of the hair fall. Although it may be most noticeable along your parting and at your temples, it is important to assess where you are losing hair from on your scalp. Shedding from all over the scalp is likely to be a temporary hair loss condition whereas if the thinning is confined solely to the top of the head then the permanent Female Pattern Hair Loss is more likely to blame. It is also possible that you may have two conditions - one permanent and one temporary - simultaneously.

Temporary shedding for six months or more is generally caused by Chronic Telogen Effluvium which is also known as Diffuse Thinning. This can be triggered by a number of health or lifestyle issues from dietary deficiencies to emotional or physical stress or an underlying illness. Although it may seem like the thinning came on suddenly, it often only becomes noticeable around three months after starting and, whilst it can usually clear up naturally within six to twelve months of the underlying issue being dealt with, chronic telogen effluvium treatment can help to accelerate this regrowth process.

Female Pattern Hair Loss is an inherited, genetic condition which causes thinning hair along the top of the head and around the hairline. It often causes a drop in hair density which many women with long enough hair first notice when their ponytail starts to seem thinner than normal due to excessive hair fall. Whilst it is permanent, it can be effectively managed in the vast majority of cases by following a hair loss treatment course suited to the level and pattern of shedding being experienced.

In order to get to the bottom of your hair loss we recommend you have a consultation with a specialist, either in person or online. They can not only diagnose your condition(s) correctly but can also provide advice, answer any questions you may have, and formulate a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific requirements.