A widening part, a smaller ponytail or more hair in the shower can feel unsettling. Hair loss deserves a careful assessment, including time to talk about how it is affecting you. The first step is understanding the pattern and possible cause.
Thinning and shedding are different clues
Female pattern hair loss commonly causes gradual thinning across the central scalp. Individual hairs become finer, the part becomes more visible and overall volume may reduce. The front hairline is often preserved. Genetics can contribute, and most women with this condition have normal androgen levels: hair loss does not automatically mean a hormone imbalance. DermNet: Female pattern hair loss.
A sudden increase in shedding can have a different explanation. Telogen effluvium may begin around two to four months after childbirth, illness, surgery, significant stress, weight loss or nutritional deficiency. It often improves as the trigger resolves, although persistent shedding needs review and more than one type of hair loss can occur together. DermNet: Telogen effluvium.
What does the Sinclair scale show?
The Sinclair scale describes the visible pattern of central thinning, from grade 1 through grade 5. It helps document appearance and compare changes over time. A chart cannot establish the cause, predict your future hair loss or choose a treatment for you. Assessment and consistent photographs provide more context than matching yourself to an illustration. DermNet’s illustrated grading guide.
What an assessment may involve
Your clinician will ask when the change began, whether shedding or thinning came first, and about your health, medicines, family history, hair practices and recent life events. Menstrual changes, pregnancy plans, breastfeeding and menopause are relevant. Examination looks at the scalp, hairline and hair shafts. Blood tests are selected when the history or findings suggest a contributor, rather than assuming every person needs the same panel. RACGP: Female pattern hair loss (2018).
When to seek a timely review
Arrange an assessment for rapid or patchy loss, scalp pain or burning, persistent redness or scale, or eyebrow loss. These features can point to a different condition, including inflammatory or scarring hair loss, where early recognition matters. Mention associated symptoms such as marked fatigue, menstrual changes or new facial hair. RACGP assessment guidance.
A plan should fit the diagnosis
Management may include addressing a contributing illness or deficiency, gentle hair care, camouflage options, monitoring or an individual treatment discussion. Pattern hair loss usually requires ongoing management; improvements take months and regrowth is not guaranteed. Pregnancy and breastfeeding affect which options are suitable. DermNet management overview.
While awaiting review, avoid tight hairstyles and harsh handling, and bring a list of medicines and supplements. Nutritional supplements should address an identified need rather than substitute for investigating the cause. DermNet: Diffuse alopecia.
Hair-loss consultations in Kingscliff
At The Derm Clinic, our Nurse Practitioner-led consultations provide space to discuss your concerns and appropriate next steps. Explore hair-loss consultations or make an appointment.
General information only; an individual assessment is needed. Sources checked 30 September 2026. The linked RACGP review was published in 2018; DermNet pages were accessed on the review date.