What is Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)?
Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) is the most common form of hair thinning in women. Unlike other conditions that cause sudden shedding, this is a gradual process where hair follicles become sensitive to hormones (specifically androgens), causing them to shrink over time.
The result isn’t usually total baldness, but a noticeable reduction in hair volume and coverage. It can be deeply distressing, affecting your confidence and how you feel about your appearance daily.
Most common signs of Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)
Widening parting
You may notice more scalp showing through your centre part.
Thinner ponytail
When tying your hair back, the bundle feels significantly lighter or smaller than it used to.
Scalp visibility
Seeing more of your scalp through your fringe or crown area, especially under bright lights.
Texture change
New hairs growing through appear finer, shorter, and “whispy” compared to your previous texture.
Who Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) affects
While often associated with menopause (50+), this genetic condition can start much earlier. We frequently treat women in their 20s and 30s who are seeing early signs. It is particularly common for the condition to accelerate during hormonal shifts, such as:
- High fevers or severe illness (including post-COVID hair loss)
- Extreme emotional stress or trauma
- Rapid weight loss or crash dieting
- Iron deficiency or thyroid imbalance
- Starting or stopping medication
Why early assessment of FPHL matters
Female Pattern Hair Loss is usually progressive, meaning thinning may gradually become more noticeable without appropriate management. Early assessment can help identify the pattern of loss and rule out other factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, thyroid changes, or hormonal imbalance.
Consultation & examination
We use detailed consultation and trichoscopic examination, often supported by targeted blood tests, to understand what is contributing to the thinning.
Personalised plan
Once assessed, we create a personalised management plan designed to protect existing hair, support healthier growth, and improve long-term scalp and hair condition.
Local clinic for Sussex & Kent
If you are panicked by sudden hair fall, you need answers fast. We provide expert diagnosis for residents across Sussex and Kent, including Lewes, Uckfield, Sevenoaks, and Worthing.
Related conditions
Other hair loss conditions we treat
Male Pattern Baldness
Driven by a genetic sensitivity to the hormone DHT, this progressive condition typically presents as a receding hairline or a thinning crown.
Read more
Menopause Hair Loss
As estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, hair can become finer, drier, and prone to falling out.
Read more
Telogen Effluvium
This temporary form of hair loss triggers a sudden, widespread shedding across the entire scalp, often caused by stress, illness or nutritional deficiencies.
Read moreStop the shedding
Let’s find the root cause and get your hair cycle back to normal.