Female hair loss almost always has multiple drivers stacked — telogen effluvium from a stressor, plus iron deficiency, plus thyroid imbalance, plus genetic pattern. Treating only one (e.g., jumping to PRP) misses the others. We start with bloodwork.
Diagnostic bloods we order
- CBC, ferritin, vitamin D3, B12
- TSH, free T3, free T4 (thyroid panel)
- For PCOS suspicion: free testosterone, DHEA-S, fasting insulin, AMH
- ANA if autoimmune suspected
Treatment based on findings
- Iron deficiency: oral iron + vitamin C, retest at 3 months
- Thyroid imbalance: co-manage with endocrinologist
- PCOS: see PCOS care; spironolactone often added
- Female-pattern alopecia: minoxidil 2 to 5%, spironolactone, PRP
- Telogen effluvium: address trigger, supportive nutrition, time
For full hair-fall protocol see hair fall treatment. Book a diagnostic consultation with bloodwork review.
Hair Fall in Women — Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I shedding so much hair?
Common drivers in women: post-pregnancy/post-COVID telogen effluvium, iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance, vitamin D deficiency, PCOS, severe stress, crash dieting, female-pattern hair loss. Often multiple drivers. Bloodwork is the starting point.
Is female-pattern hair loss the same as male?
Same underlying mechanism (androgenetic) but pattern differs — diffuse thinning at parting and crown rather than temple recession. Treatment overlaps but anti-androgens used in women (spironolactone) differ from finasteride in men.
Will my hair grow back after pregnancy?
Postpartum telogen effluvium typically resolves at 6 to 9 months postpartum. If shedding continues past 12 months, we investigate other drivers (iron, thyroid, vitamin D).
Can I take finasteride?
Generally no for women of childbearing age (teratogenic). Spironolactone, oral minoxidil, or topical anti-androgens are safer alternatives. We discuss based on your specific situation.
Are hair vitamins worth it?
Only if you are deficient. Random multivitamins do not help non-deficient women. Test first, supplement only what is low.
When should I see a doctor?
Sudden noticeable shedding, more than 200 strands a day, visible scalp through parting, family history of female-pattern hair loss, or hair fall lasting over 3 months. Early intervention = better outcome.
