Hair loss: Find what’s causing it and what really helps

Noticing more hair in the shower or on your brush is stressful. Before you panic, know this: different problems need different fixes. Treating hair loss starts with a clear idea of the cause, a few basic tests, and realistic expectations about time and results.

Quick causes and simple tests

Hair falls out for many reasons. The most common are genetic pattern hair loss (male or female pattern), telogen effluvium (stress, illness, or a big life change), hormonal issues (thyroid, low iron, or female hormone changes), and certain medications. Scalp infections and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata also matter.

Start with three easy steps: check your recent health history (illness, new meds, pregnancy), get a blood test (TSH for thyroid, ferritin for iron stores, CBC, and vitamin D), and have a doctor or dermatologist look at your scalp. A basic exam often shows whether hair is thinning evenly, falling out in clumps, or has broken hairs — and that guides the next steps.

Practical treatments that work

Topical minoxidil: This is available for men and women. Apply as directed every day. Expect to wait 3–6 months to see thicker hair, and continue use to keep gains.

Oral finasteride: Effective for many men with pattern hair loss. It lowers DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Discuss side effects with your doctor before starting. Like minoxidil, you usually need months to judge results.

Medical procedures: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and low-level laser therapy can help people who want non-surgical options. Hair transplant surgery is the most durable choice if you have stable pattern loss and enough donor hair. Consult an experienced surgeon for realistic expectations and recovery details.

Supplements and shampoos: Fix real deficiencies first (iron, vitamin D). Over-the-counter biotin helps only if you’re deficient. Ketoconazole shampoo can reduce scalp inflammation and might help when used alongside medical treatments. Skip miracle pills that promise instant regrowth — they rarely work.

Lifestyle fixes: Reduce crash diets, manage stress, sleep more, and avoid tight hairstyles and harsh chemical treatments. Simple changes often stop further shedding and improve hair quality.

When to see a specialist: If hair loss is sudden, patchy, accompanied by scalp pain, or starting before age 25, see a dermatologist. If blood tests show thyroid or iron problems, treat those first — hair often improves once the underlying issue is fixed.

Buying meds online: If you order treatments online, use a reputable pharmacy and keep your prescription. KiwiDrug.com covers safe buying tips and how to spot shady offers. Don’t risk fake or low-quality products on your scalp.

Hair regrowth takes patience. Start with the basic tests, pick one proven treatment, and give it time. If you want help choosing the next step, read trusted guides or talk to a dermatologist who treats hair loss regularly.