Hair loss
Hair loss can be due to genetics (male or female pattern hair loss), stress or illness (telogen effluvium), iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, vitamin D deficiency, postpartum changes, or scalp conditions. A GP assessment and a small blood panel identify reversible causes and guide treatment.
Key information
- Symptom
- Hair loss
- Category
- Hair & nails
- Common possible causes
- Male or female pattern hair loss, Telogen effluvium (after illness, stress, weight loss, childbirth), Iron deficiency, Thyroid disorders
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, Ferritin, TSH, Vitamin D
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Hair loss is a reduction in hair density anywhere on the body, most often the scalp.
Common possible causes
- · Male or female pattern hair loss
- · Telogen effluvium (after illness, stress, weight loss, childbirth)
- · Iron deficiency
- · Thyroid disorders
- · Vitamin D deficiency
- · Post-COVID shedding
- · Tight hairstyles (traction alopecia)
Less common possible causes
- · Alopecia areata
- · Scarring alopecias
- · Fungal scalp infection
- · Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Chemotherapy-related loss
- · Autoimmune conditions
- · Sudden patchy loss with scarring
- · Scalp pain, inflammation or oozing
- · Hair loss with systemic symptoms
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Painful, inflamed scalp with hair loss
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Gradual thinning
- · Postpartum shedding
- · Suspected pattern hair loss
Questions a doctor may ask
- · When did the hair loss start and how quickly?
- · Diffuse thinning or patchy loss?
- · Any recent illness, stress, weight change or childbirth?
- · How are your periods (women)?
- · Any diet changes or restrictive eating?
- · Which medications and supplements do you take?
History factors that may matter
- · Family history of pattern loss
- · Recent childbirth
- · Restrictive dieting
- · Chronic illness
Medicines that may contribute
- · Some acne treatments
- · Antidepressants
- · Beta-blockers
- · Anticoagulants
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Scalp and hair examination
- · Pull test
- · Assessment for scarring vs non-scarring
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · Ferritin
- · TSH
- · Vitamin D
- · Vitamin B12
- · Testosterone and DHEAS in women where PCOS suspected
Other tests
- · Trichoscopy or scalp biopsy under dermatology
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Dermatology for scarring alopecias, alopecia areata or diagnostic uncertainty
Possible treatment approaches
- · Iron and vitamin replacement where deficient
- · Thyroid treatment where indicated
- · Topical minoxidil for pattern loss
- · Finasteride for male pattern loss (under medical advice)
- · Address dietary and stress triggers
Safe self-care
- · Balanced diet with adequate protein and iron
- · Avoid tight hairstyles
- · Gentle hair care
- · Manage stress and sleep
Best avoided
- · Over-the-counter ‘hair’ supplements as a substitute for testing
- · Ignoring patchy or scarring loss
How Aafiyah can help
- · GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Home blood testing
- · Prescription of evidence-based treatments
- · Dermatology referral where needed
Related tests
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Which blood tests are done for hair loss?+
A standard panel is ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin D and B12, and — in women — testosterone/DHEAS if PCOS is suspected. Full blood count and coeliac screen may be added.
Does postpartum hair loss recover?+
Yes — postpartum shedding usually peaks 3–4 months after delivery and recovers over 6–12 months. Iron and vitamin adequacy help.
Does minoxidil work?+
Topical minoxidil has good evidence for pattern hair loss in men and women. It needs consistent use, usually for 6–12 months, and effects reverse if stopped.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Alopecia — cks.nice.org.uk
- · British Association of Dermatologists — Hair loss — bad.org.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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