Hair loss: quick, practical help you can use today
About half of men and a large number of women notice thinning by middle age — but not all hair loss is the same. Some types are temporary and easy to treat; others need medical care. If your hair is shedding more than usual, this guide tells you what to check, what tests to ask for, and which treatments actually work.
What to check first and when to see a doctor
Take three simple steps right away: 1) Look at the pattern — is it a widening part, a receding hairline, or patchy spots? 2) Time it — did it start suddenly after illness, a new medicine, or big stress? 3) Snap a photo to track progress over weeks. See your GP quickly if you get sudden patchy loss, rapid shedding, scalp pain, or if you notice other symptoms like weight change or heavy fatigue.
Common causes are genetics (androgenetic alopecia), hormones, iron or thyroid problems, certain medicines, severe stress or illness, and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata. Your doctor can usually tell from the pattern and basic tests.
Useful tests and sensible treatments
Ask your doctor for a few simple tests if the cause isn’t obvious: thyroid function (TSH), ferritin (iron stores), full blood count, and for women, possibly androgen levels or a pregnancy test. Low ferritin and thyroid problems are easy fixes that often help hair regrow.
Treatments that have good evidence: topical minoxidil (applied daily; works for men and women), and oral finasteride for men (prescription only — effective but has possible sexual side effects and needs a doctor’s discussion). For patchy autoimmune loss, steroid injections or topical corticosteroids may help. Low-level laser devices and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) give mixed results but can help some people. Hair transplants are a permanent option when many follicles remain in donor areas.
Be careful with supplements. Biotin rarely helps unless you’re deficient. Iron helps if your ferritin is low, but too much iron is harmful. Always check levels before supplementing. Avoid miracle cures sold without evidence.
Daily habits matter: cut back on tight hairstyles and heavy heat styling, use a gentle shampoo, avoid quick-fix harsh chemical treatments, and aim for a protein-rich diet with stable blood sugar and good sleep. Stress management — even short-term — can reduce telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding).
If you want a next step: take photos every 4–8 weeks, book a GP visit with your list of symptoms, and ask about the tests above. For prescription options, see a dermatologist if your GP can’t help. Medipond has more articles on specific treatments and how to buy medication safely if you need guidance on products like minoxidil or prescription options.
