Can Hormonal Imbalance Lead To Severe Hair Loss?

Question : Hi. My best friend has some problems that are very concerning. She has gone to her PCP and a dermatologist but has not got many answers. She has been sick for a week with severe body aches and a fever. She went to her PCP and he did a nasal swab and said that she tested negative with the flu. Because he suspected just a virus, no medication was given. She is finally feeling a little better as time goes on. But her hair is coming out in clumps and has been for about a few weeks. She used to have a head full of thick hair so there is still some hair but she has definite bald spots. The loss is not after brushing either, it just falls out anytime. Her fingernails also are not growing. Her doctors do not know what is happening. They have looked at her scalp and ruled out Alapecia. But that is the only answer they have supplied. Besides telling her that she should get some Rogaine which she can not do because of the chemical smells. She is 55 years young, she is diabetic and she is post menopausal. She has had long term stress, and long term sleeping problems. She has been told to take Vitamin D and Biotin. But that has not helping. Could this have something to do with her hormones? What do you suggest?