There are a wide range of causes for female hair loss, but one of the most common is telogen effluvium. It is distinct from other types of hair loss in that its effects can be seen as a wide spread shedding of hairs, not only on the scalp, but elsewhere on the body too. The condition usually arises when the body’s physical or hormonal systems come under a high degree of stress, or as a reaction to some forms of medication.

It is common for the condition to worsen fairly quickly, before improving over the following six months. In some rare cases, the condition can become chronic.