hair loss and thinning
Hair loss and thinning can stem from hormonal shifts, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune responses, or physical stress, requiring a systematic clinical evaluation.
Possible causes
- 01
Telogen Effluvium
commonTemporary shedding triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, surgery, or rapid weight loss, shifting hair follicles prematurely into the resting phase.
Evidence
- NICE CKS: Alopecia - diffuse hair loss (2023)
- 02
Androgenetic Alopecia
commonPattern hair loss driven by genetic predisposition and androgen sensitivity, causing progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles.
- 03
Nutritional Deficiencies
possibleInadequate levels of iron, ferritin, vitamin D, or zinc impairing the metabolic activity of the hair follicle matrix.
Evidence
- Mayo Clinic: Hair Loss Evaluation and Causes (2023)
- 04
Thyroid Dysfunction
possibleHypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism disrupting the normal cellular cycling of hair follicles, leading to diffuse thinning.
Evidence
- NHS: Underactive thyroid symptoms (2023)
Recommended tests
Iron & ferritin
→Ferritin, serum iron, TIBC — checks for iron-deficiency anaemia.
Why: Low ferritin is a well-documented, reversible cause of diffuse hair shedding.
Guideline
- NICE CKS: Alopecia - diffuse hair loss (2023)
Thyroid function panel
→TSH, Free T3, Free T4 — first-line test for fatigue, weight change, hair loss, mood.
Why: Thyroid hormones regulate hair follicle activity; imbalances frequently cause diffuse thinning.
Vitamin D (25-OH)
→The single most common deficiency in Dubai — drives fatigue, low mood, muscle aches.
Why: Vitamin D plays a key role in hair follicle cycling and is highly prevalent in Dubai.
Guideline
- DHA: Vitamin D Deficiency Guidelines (2021)
GP consultation
→30–60 minute consultation with a British-trained GP — clinic, home or video.
Why: A comprehensive scalp examination by a GP is essential to differentiate scarring from non-scarring alopecia.
Guideline
- RCGP: Dermatology in Primary Care (2023)
When to worry
- Rapid, patchy hair loss leaving smooth, round bald spots
- Scalp redness, scaling, pustules, or severe itching
- Scarring or permanent loss of hair follicles
- Hair loss accompanied by unexplained weight changes, heat/cold intolerance, or extreme fatigue
- Signs of virilisation in women, such as excess facial hair or voice deepening
Sources & guidelines
This triage is grounded in mainstream clinical guidance. Every case is reviewed in person by a British-trained GP before any diagnosis or prescription.
- NICE CKS: Alopecia - diffuse hair loss (2023)
Related
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This page is educational triage information only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a licensed doctor. Aafiyah Care Clinic — Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. DHA-licensed.
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"Called at 8am with a fever, had a British-trained doctor at my door by 11. He sat with me for 45 minutes — not the 5 minutes I'm used to. Prescription delivered same day. Felt like having a proper GP again."
"We finally have one doctor who knows all of us. The kids actually like going. Follow-up calls happen without us chasing. Worth every dirham."
"The 40+ marker report came back with a real conversation, not a PDF dumped in my inbox. Caught a vitamin deficiency I'd been ignoring for years."
"After surgery I dreaded going back to a hospital for dressings. Their nurse came every other day, the doctor checked in by WhatsApp. Healed faster than I expected."
"Fell ill on day two of our trip. Doctor in the suite within 90 minutes, full assessment, prescription to the hotel pharmacy. Genuinely NHS-standard care in Dubai."
"My father refuses to leave the house. Aafiyah's team comes monthly, manages his medication, and treats him with such dignity. It changed everything for our family."
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