Women's hair loss from hormone changes: when and how long?

Hormone-related hair loss in women tends to follow the times when hormones shift. During pregnancy more hairs stay in the growing phase, and after the birth they shed: in a 2023 questionnaire study, shedding after giving birth started at about 3 months and ended at about 8 months on average. In the years around menopause, hormone changes can make hair thinner and less dense. The UK's NHS notes that most hair loss is temporary and grows back, or is a normal part of getting older. See a GP if hair comes out suddenly or in patches, or if you are worried.

How are hormones linked to hair shedding in women?

Everyone sheds some hair every day. The UK's NHS says we can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without noticing, and MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, says that in most people those hairs grow back. Hormone changes matter because they can shift many hairs between the growing and resting phases at around the same time.

What the research reviews say

• A 1973 review in the BMJ explains that from the 3rd month of pregnancy the share of hair follicles in the growing phase rises, and that more shedding follows childbirth as some follicles move into the resting phase later than usual.
• A 2025 review in Maturitas describes the hair follicle as a tissue that responds to estrogen, so the hormone changes before and after menopause can affect how hair grows.

Other things to think back on

Hormones are not the only cause. The NHS lists illness, stress and weight loss among the causes of temporary hair loss. When hair starts shedding, it helps to think about everything that happened in the last few months.

For the causes of hair loss in women more broadly, see Why do women lose hair, and how much is too much?

How does hair change at each stage when hormones shift?

The table brings together what the sources say about hair at four stages. The time spans are the ones given in the sources. Where a source gives none, the table says so.

Pregnancy: more hair in the growing phase

A 1973 review in the BMJ explains that after the 3rd month of pregnancy, the proportion of hair follicles in active growth rises.

After giving birth: the shed that follows

The same review explains that more shedding follows childbirth because some follicles pass into the resting phase later than usual. A 2023 questionnaire study by Hirose and colleagues asked women about hair loss 10 to 18 months after giving birth:

• 304 of the 331 women who answered (91.8%) reported hair loss after giving birth.
• On average, it started at 2.9 months, peaked at 5.1 months and ended at 8.1 months after the birth.
• The authors note that women who had hair loss may have been more likely to answer, so the true share may be lower.

For how skin changes after giving birth, see Loose skin after giving birth: how should I look after it?

After stopping the pill

The 1973 BMJ review on hair loss and the pill noted that there may be a causal link between stopping estrogen and hair loss. The sources reviewed here do not give a time span for shedding after stopping the pill, so it is worth noting the date you stopped and telling your doctor if shedding follows.

Around menopause

The UK's NHS explains that menopause and perimenopause happen when periods change and eventually stop due to lower hormone levels, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier. Menopause is when you have not had a period for 12 months. The NHS lists hair thinning or hair loss among the symptoms, and says these symptoms as a whole usually last 7 to 9 years, sometimes longer, and change over that time; it does not give a separate time span for hair. A 2025 review in Maturitas says hormone changes can start up to 10 years before menopause, and can lead to hair that is less dense, finer and different in texture.

What can I do while my hair is shedding?

The NHS says most hair loss is either temporary and will grow back, or a normal part of getting older. While you wait, a few things can help.

Handle your hair gently

Hair that is shedding or thinning can feel fragile. Washing and combing gently, and giving your hair a break from tight styles and high heat, cuts down on hair breaking or getting damaged on top of the shedding.

Covering thin areas

The NHS describes wigs as one option for covering hair loss. Synthetic wigs last around 6 to 9 months, and real-hair wigs around 3 to 4 years.

If it is upsetting you

The NHS notes that losing hair can be upsetting, and that if hair loss is causing you distress, a GP may be able to help you get counselling. A support group or an online forum with others in the same situation can also help.

Before a hair clinic

The NHS advises seeing a GP to get an idea of the cause before thinking about going to a commercial hair clinic.

What should I write down before seeing a doctor?

The NHS says a GP may be able to tell what is causing your hair loss by looking at your hair, and advises telling them if the hair loss is affecting your wellbeing. Notes help you give a clear picture.

A simple record

Medicines

If you take a regular medicine and think it may be linked to your shedding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before stopping it.

When should I see a doctor about hair shedding from hormone changes?

You can see a doctor whenever your hair worries you. nidirect, the Northern Ireland government's health information service, advises seeing a GP if:

• you have sudden hair loss
• you develop bald patches
• you are losing hair in clumps
• your head also itches and burns
• you are worried about your hair loss

Around menopause

The NHS advises contacting a GP if you think you have symptoms of menopause or perimenopause and want to know what your options are.

At the appointment

Bring your notes and photos. The doctor decides whether any further checks are needed to look at hormones or other causes.