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.
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Do not enter personal or identifying details — no name, Emirates ID, passport number, phone, email, address or date of birth. Describe symptoms only. Results are anonymous, are not linked to a patient record, and this tool is not a diagnosis. Results pages are excluded from search engines. To discuss anything confidential, WhatsApp or call the clinic instead.
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
Book a British-trained GP to review this properly
This is an AI triage. Every real diagnosis, prescription and test at Aafiyah is signed off by a GP. WhatsApp us — reception already has your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so we can book you in with the right prep in place.
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.
Symptom checker questions
What could cause hair loss and thinning?+
Telogen Effluvium: Temporary shedding triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, surgery, or rapid weight loss, shifting hair follicles prematurely into the resting phase. Androgenetic Alopecia: Pattern hair loss driven by genetic predisposition and androgen sensitivity, causing progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles. Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate levels of iron, ferritin, vitamin D, or zinc impairing the metabolic activity of the hair follicle matrix. Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism disrupting the normal cellular cycling of hair follicles, leading to diffuse thinning.
What tests would help for hair loss and thinning?+
Iron & ferritin — Low ferritin is a well-documented, reversible cause of diffuse hair shedding. Thyroid function panel — Thyroid hormones regulate hair follicle activity; imbalances frequently cause diffuse thinning. Vitamin D (25-OH) — Vitamin D plays a key role in hair follicle cycling and is highly prevalent in Dubai. GP consultation — A comprehensive scalp examination by a GP is essential to differentiate scarring from non-scarring alopecia.
When should I worry about hair loss and thinning?+
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
Is this AI symptom checker a diagnosis?+
No. It's a triage tool that suggests possible causes and the tests that would help narrow them down. Every real diagnosis and prescription at Aafiyah is made by a British-trained GP after a proper consultation.
Is it safe to describe my symptoms here?+
Yes. Your symptom text is used to fetch triage information and stored anonymously as a shareable page. No personal or medical details (name, ID, contact) are attached.
What if I might be having an emergency?+
If you describe red-flag symptoms — chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, anaphylaxis or suicidal thoughts — the result page shows an urgent-care banner. Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
How accurate is the AI?+
It's trained on public clinical patterns and is useful for common symptom clusters. It is not perfect and it does not replace a doctor — treat it as a well-read friend, not a physician.
Can I book a GP after seeing my result?+
Yes — every result page has a WhatsApp button pre-filled with your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so our reception can book you in with the right prep in place.
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