Hair Today.
Gone Tomorrow?
Hair Loss in Men and Women: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What Can Help?
Losing hair is a part of life — to a degree. But when the bathroom drain starts clogging more often or your part seems wider than it used to be, it’s natural to worry. The good news? There are effective treatments — and knowing what’s normal vs. abnormal is the first step.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss is complex. Some causes are temporary and reversible, others are genetic or hormonal. Common culprits include:
Androgenetic alopecia (aka male or female pattern baldness)
Telogen effluvium – often triggered by stress, illness, iron deficiency or crash dieting
Thyroid disorders
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women
Menopause or low testosterone
Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata
Medications, including some antidepressants, beta blockers, and acne treatments
Post-pregnancy hair shedding (postpartum telogen effluvium)
Is It Just “Normal” Shedding?
We typically lose 50–100 hairs per day. If you’re noticing:
Excessive shedding when brushing or showering
Thinning at the crown or temples
Widening of the part line
Bald patches
Receding hairline
…it’s worth a medical review. Especially if it’s rapid or accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, hormonal changes, or scalp irritation.
What Can You Do?
1. Get the Basics Checked
Blood tests can rule out common contributors — iron deficiency, thyroid issues, vitamin D deficiency, hormonal imbalances (testosterone, DHEA, oestrogen, etc.).
2. Medical Treatments
Minoxidil (Rogaine): Available over the counter. Helps regrow hair in both men and women when used consistently.
Finasteride (Propecia): Prescription-only oral medication for men that reduces DHT, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.
Spironolactone: Often used in women with hormonal hair loss, particularly PCOS-related.
3. Lifestyle & Nutritional Tweaks
Eat enough protein — hair is made of keratin.
Don’t skip iron — even low-normal levels can worsen shedding.
Manage stress — easier said than done, but telogen effluvium is real.
Avoid tight hairstyles and excessive heat or chemical treatments.
4. Advanced Options
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy: Uses your own blood’s growth factors, injected into the scalp to stimulate follicles.
Hair transplant surgery: Considered in more advanced or resistant cases.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): A newer option with some supporting evidence.