Hair Loss Consultation with a Private GP
Noticing more hair in the shower drain. Seeing your scalp through thinning hair. Watching your hairline creep backwards. Hair loss affects confidence in ways others rarely understand.
The good news is that many causes of hair loss are treatable, especially when caught early.
Why Hair Loss Deserves Medical Attention
Hair loss is not just cosmetic. Sometimes it signals underlying health conditions that need addressing. Even when the cause is genetic, earlier intervention means better outcomes.
Your GP can determine why you are losing hair and recommend evidence based treatments rather than expensive products that promise miracles.
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Types of Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness is the most common cause in men, causing receding hairline and crown thinning. It is genetic but treatable with medications that slow progression and sometimes stimulate regrowth.
Female pattern hair loss causes diffuse thinning across the scalp, usually preserving the hairline. It is more common after menopause but can affect younger women.
Telogen effluvium is temporary diffuse shedding triggered by stress, illness, surgery, childbirth, or rapid weight loss. Hair usually recovers once the trigger resolves.
Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss when the immune system attacks hair follicles. It can affect any hair bearing area.
Thyroid disorders cause hair thinning alongside other symptoms. Treating the thyroid often restores hair.
Iron deficiency is a common and often overlooked cause of hair loss, particularly in women.
Traction alopecia results from hairstyles that pull on hair over time. Early intervention prevents permanent damage.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Your GP will examine your scalp and hair, looking at the pattern of loss and the condition of remaining hair. They will ask about your health, medications, diet, and family history.
Blood tests may be recommended to check thyroid function, iron levels, vitamin D, and hormones. Identifying and treating deficiencies often improves hair health.
Based on assessment, your GP will explain the likely cause and discuss treatment options.
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Treatment Options
Minoxidil is a topical treatment that can slow loss and stimulate regrowth in both men and women. It is available without prescription but works better with medical guidance.
Finasteride is a prescription tablet for men that blocks the hormone causing male pattern baldness. It is effective but requires ongoing use.
Hormone treatments may help women with hormonal hair loss, particularly around menopause.
Treating underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or iron deficiency often improves hair naturally.
Dermatology referral may be appropriate for conditions like alopecia areata or when diagnosis is uncertain.
Acting Early Matters
Hair follicles that have been dormant too long may not recover. The earlier you address hair loss, the better your chances of maintaining and regrowing hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress cause hair loss? Yes. Significant stress can trigger telogen effluvium, causing noticeable shedding two to three months after the stressful event. Hair usually recovers over six to twelve months.
Are hair loss treatments safe? Minoxidil and finasteride are well established with good safety profiles. Your GP will discuss any potential side effects relevant to you.
Will my hair definitely grow back? This depends on the cause. Some types of hair loss are reversible while others can be slowed but not reversed. Honest assessment helps set realistic expectations.
Should I see a dermatologist instead of a GP? A GP is a good starting point. They can diagnose common causes, arrange blood tests, and start treatment. Dermatology referral is arranged if needed.
Do not wait until hair loss progresses further. Early action gives the best results.