Hair Health . Symptoms guide
Female Hair Loss: What to Test
Female-pattern hair loss is almost never caused by a single factor. The most useful first step is a combined panel covering iron studies, full thyroid function, vitamin D, B12, oestrogen and androgens. That single appointment tells you which of the common drivers is active so the plan does not chase the wrong cause.
This patient information is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NHS, NICE, British Association of Dermatologists, British Society for Sexual Medicine where cited).
What this might be
- Iron deficiency. Most common reversible cause in women, often well before frank anaemia.
- Thyroid dysfunction. Both under and overactive thyroid cause diffuse loss.
- Androgenetic (female pattern). Widening central part. Worsens around perimenopause.
- Telogen effluvium. Triggered by post-partum, severe illness, crash diet, surgery, or grief.
- PCOS-driven. Raised androgens, irregular cycles, acne; check testosterone and SHBG.
Common features that suggest this
- Widening part line
- Increased shedding on the pillow or in the shower
- Reduced ponytail thickness
- Brittle nails (iron clue)
- Cold intolerance or fatigue (thyroid clue)
- Irregular periods or acne (PCOS clue)
Recommended tests
Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, results clinician-reviewed.
Need a marker not in these panels? Build a custom panel and a GMC-registered clinician will design one for you.
Testing advice
Days 2 to 5 of the menstrual cycle give the cleanest hormone baseline for pre-menopausal women. Post-menopausal women can test any day. Morning appointment recommended.
Common questions
Should I check oestrogen if I am still having periods?
It is most informative around perimenopause (typically late 30s to mid 50s) or when cycles have become irregular. Below that, a basic hormone screen plus thyroid and iron is usually enough.
Do I need to stop the contraceptive pill before testing?
No. We can still measure useful baselines; results will be interpreted in light of any contraception you take. Tell us at booking so the clinical review accounts for it.
Is finasteride safe for women?
For most pre-menopausal women, no. We do not start finasteride before confirming the cause and discussing safer options. Bloodwork is the foundation of that decision.
Related symptoms
Sources and further reading
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any recommendations to you personally.