Hair shedding is a normal part of life, but if you’ve noticed your ponytail getting thinner or more strands collecting in your brush, there could be more going on beneath the surface. While many people assume hair loss has a single cause, experts say it’s often the result of several factors working together.
During an appearance on The Tamsen Show podcast, licensed pharmacist Phil Cowley explained that hair loss—particularly for women during midlife—is rarely caused by just one issue. Instead, he says hormonal changes, reduced blood flow, and chronic inflammation often combine to weaken hair follicles over time.
Here are three reasons your hair may be thinning, according to Cowley.
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1. Hormonal Changes
One of the biggest drivers of hair loss is shifting hormone levels, especially as estrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause.
Cowley explains that when estrogen levels drop, androgens—often referred to as male hormones—have a greater influence on the hair follicles.
"Estrogen goes away, so androgens, which are the male hormones, come in and they have a bigger role," he said. "You don't have more of them, but now they don't have the estrogen to block them."
As a result, hair follicles can gradually become smaller, producing finer, weaker strands over time.
2. Reduced Blood Flow To The Hair Follicles
Healthy hair depends on healthy circulation.
According to Cowley, aging and hormonal changes can reduce blood flow to the scalp, limiting the oxygen and nutrients hair follicles need to thrive.
"We've got less blood flow to all those follicles in your head," he explained. "Because of that, those follicles are starting to shrivel up."
When follicles receive less nourishment, hair growth can slow while shedding becomes more noticeable.
3. Chronic Dryness And Inflammation
Cowley says inflammation is another often-overlooked contributor to hair thinning.
"Everything is chronically dry," he explained. "Every time it's dry, it becomes inflamed."
An inflamed scalp may struggle to support healthy hair growth, making it harder for follicles to produce strong, resilient strands. Dryness can also leave the scalp feeling irritated and more prone to damage.
Why A Multi-Pronged Approach Matters
Rather than focusing on just one cause, Cowley believes addressing hair loss requires treating all of the underlying factors.
"So we have to treat inflammation, blood flow, and we have to block hormones," he said. "You have to do a three-pronged approach if you want to keep that hair where it's at."
While the right treatment depends on the individual, experts recommend speaking with a dermatologist or healthcare provider if you're experiencing persistent or sudden hair loss.
They can help determine whether hormones, nutritional deficiencies, stress, medications, or an underlying medical condition may be contributing to the problem.
For many people, identifying the root cause is the first step toward healthier, fuller-looking hair.
