As well as hormonal and hereditary factors, there are many other triggers for thinning and hair loss in women, including:

• Traumas, such as chemotherapy, head surgery, severe stress and child birth.
• Iron deficiency is a common cause of thinning hair - fortunately it is simple to diagnose and treat.
• Hypothyroidism can cause hair loss; typically appearing above the forehead (frontal) and can also cause loss of eyebrow hair and eyelashes.
• Hyperthyroidism can also cause hair loss, but in a different pattern to hypothyroidism.
• An autoimmune disorder: Alopecia areata can cause ‘spot baldness’ usually occurring in one area, but in severe cases the person may lose all hair on the body.
• A degree of hair loss often appears after childbirth. The hair generally become thicker during pregnancy due to increased oestrogen levels. Post pregnancy, the oestrogen levels return to pre pregnancy levels and the additional hair naturally falls out.
• Trichotillomania is the loss of hair caused by the compulsive pulling and twisting of the hair.
• Temporary loss of hair can occur in areas where sebaceous cysts are present and may persist for several weeks.    
• Some illnesses and infections can cause severe hair loss.

Other factors can also effect the growth of hair, such as diet and nutrition, environmental pollutants and some prescribed medications. Hair loss can also be caused by some medical conditions and it is important that these causes are treated by a medical doctor. LA Science recommends seeking medical advice from your GP in the first instance.