Female Temple Thinning? Here's How To Fight DHT Hair Loss

Hair thinning at the temples in women is more common than you might think. Unlike general hair loss or overall volume changes, temple thinning can feel especially noticeable, even if you’re the only one who sees it. This kind of loss often happens gradually, with more scalp peeking through during ponytails, updos, or when pulling your hair back.

For many women, this isn’t just a cosmetic shift—it’s a signal. A sign that something deeper, like female pattern hair loss (FPHL), could be at play. While we often associate hormone-driven hair loss with men, DHT (dihydrotestosterone)—a powerful androgen—can shrink hair follicles around the temples and hairline in women, too.

But there are targeted, effective solutions. From topical DHT blockers like spironolactone to prescription-strength compounded topicals that work at the root level, you don’t have to accept thinning as inevitable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why a woman might see thinning at the temples, and what you can do about it.

Why Is My Hair Thinning at the Temples?

Thinning at the temples is often the first red flag women notice when something’s off with their hair. Let’s break down the most common reasons why you might see thinning hair at your temples:

1. DHT and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

One of the leading causes of temple thinning is DHT, or dihydrotestosterone—a potent androgen derived from testosterone. In genetically predisposed women, DHT binds to androgen receptors in scalp follicles and shrinks them. This can be especially noticeable around the temples and crown, caused by DHT-related follicle miniaturization.

This process is central to female pattern hair loss (FPHL), which affects up to 40% of women by age 50. 

Unlike male baldness, which forms distinct patches, FPHL tends to show up as diffuse thinning across the top and sides of the scalp—including the temples.

2. Stress & Hormonal Shifts (Telogen Effluvium)

High physical or emotional stress, illness, or hormonal changes (such as postpartum, perimenopause, or discontinuation of birth control) can cause a temporary but noticeable hair shedding condition called telogen effluvium. 

In this case, more hair than usual enters the resting (telogen) phase at once, often leading to temple thinning since that hair is naturally finer.

3. Tight Hairstyles or Mechanical Damage

Consistently pulling your hair back tightly—into ponytails, buns, or braids—can result in traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by chronic tension on the follicles. The temples are especially vulnerable due to their thinner hair density and fragility. 

Early-stage traction loss can be reversed by changing styling habits, but chronic damage may lead to permanent loss.

4. Nutrient Deficiencies & Scalp Health

Hair growth is energy-intensive and dependent on adequate nutrients. Low levels of iron/ferritin, vitamin D, or protein can impair follicle activity, contributing to thinning—especially around the temples. 

Likewise, poor scalp health (due to buildup, inflammation, or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis) can disrupt follicle cycling.

5. Aging & Genetic Predisposition

As we age, the anagen (hair growth) phase shortens and hair naturally thins. 

Additionally, FPHL is significantly more common in postmenopausal women, and hormonal shifts, especially the drop in estrogen, are a big part of the reason. Not everyone will develop this post-menopause, but those who do, likely have androgen-sensitive follicles inherited through family history.

Women with a family history of temple thinning or FPHL are more likely to experience this earlier in life, sometimes as early as their 20s or 30s.

 Why DHT-Driven Hair Loss Won’t Fix Itself

While temple thinning can have many causes, DHT-related hair loss deserves special focus—because unlike stress or nutrition-related shedding, it doesn’t resolve on its own. Left untreated, it’s progressive.

That means the longer it's left unaddressed, the more difficult it becomes to reverse.

Follicle Miniaturization Is a Slow Fade—Until It Isn’t

DHT can cause hair follicles to go through a gradual shrinking process known as miniaturization. With each hair cycle, the follicle produces a thinner, shorter strand, until eventually, it stops producing visible hair at all.

Because this process happens slowly, many women don’t realize how much density they've lost until it's significant—especially at the temples, where the hair is already fine by nature.

Then after menopause, this process can accelerate due to declining estrogen. 

If DHT is behind your thinning, reversing it means more than waiting it out. It calls for targeted treatment—often starting with topical anti-androgens like spironolactone or prescription blends that block DHT at the source while stimulating growth.

Let’s get into some signs you’re dealing with female pattern hair loss. 

Signs Your Temple Thinning Might Be Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

• Gradual thinning — not sudden or patchy; worsens over time
• Visible scalp at temples or part line — especially under bright light or when hair is pulled back
• Family history — thinning in your mother, aunt, or grandmother, especially post-menopause
• Hair is finer or stops growing — new strands at temples are wispy, thin, or short
• Doesn’t improve on its own — no regrowth after 3–6 months, or steady decline
• Miniaturization signs — a mix of thick and thin strands in the same area
• Age + hormonal shift — often begins or worsens around perimenopause or menopause

If these sound familiar, there’s a good chance DHT is involved, and it’s time to consider targeted treatment.

Targeted DHT-Blocking Hair Loss Treatment for Women

If you’re dealing with DHT-related hair loss, you want a treatment that can block DHT from the receptor. This will slow or stop hair loss. Then, you’ll want something that can increase blood flow to your hair follicles to boost hair regrowth. 

A modern approach skips oral pills and instead puts the medication right where your hair needs it: your scalp. 

At Strut Health we help women navigate hair loss online. Our best selling 5-in-1 prescription topical treatment is designed to help stop hair loss and boost regrowth. 

Here’s a bit about our strongest topical available, and why our formula is designed to stop female hair loss:  

What’s Inside the Formula

Depending on your provider’s recommendations, your formula may include:

• Spironolactone (1%) – A powerful topical anti-androgen that helps block DHT activity at the scalp
  
• Finasteride (0.25%) – Another DHT-blocker that works locally to reduce miniaturization
  
• Minoxidil (up to 7.5%) – The gold standard for stimulating regrowth and boosting follicle activity
  
• Tretinoin (0.025%) – Enhances absorption of actives and may promote growth factor activity
  
• Fluocinolone (0.01%) – Helps reduce inflammation, which can interfere with healthy growth
  
• Biotin – Included to support hair strand strength and scalp health
  

Exact formulation and strength is customized to your needs by your provider, based on your goals and hair history.

Ready to Stop Temple Thinning?

Take our quick, free online assessment to see if you qualify for prescription-strength treatment.
Upload photos, answer a few questions, and connect with a licensed doctor from home.

If you’re a good fit, we’ll customize your 5-in-1 topical formula and ship it discreetly—fast and hassle-free.

Start your personalized hair loss treatment today →