Baldness in Women

It’s best to see a doctor if you notice excessive hair thinning, sudden hair loss, or bald patches. While some hair shedding is normal, significant loss may indicate an underlying condition. Consult a GP if:

• Your hair loss is worsening or affecting your confidence.
• You have bald spots or widening of the part in your hair.
• You experience itching, redness, or pain on the scalp.
• You have a family history of female pattern baldness.
• You’re experiencing other symptoms like weight changes or hormonal issues.

An early consultation can help diagnose the cause and start treatment before further hair loss occurs.

Baldness in women can be caused by various factors, including:

• Genetics (Female pattern baldness): The most common cause, known as androgenetic alopecia.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can trigger hair loss.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin D, or protein can affect hair growth.
• Stress and illness: Conditions like telogen effluvium cause temporary hair loss due to stress, fever, or surgery.
• Medical conditions: PCOS, lupus, or autoimmune diseases may lead to hair thinning.
• Certain medications: Drugs for high blood pressure, depression, and cancer can cause hair loss.
• Hairstyling and treatments: Excessive heat, chemical treatments, or tight hairstyles (traction alopecia) can damage hair.

Baldness in women is different from male pattern baldness. Instead of total bald spots, women typically experience diffuse thinning or a widening hair part. It can be classified as:

• Mild: Slight thinning on top of the scalp.
• Moderate: Visible scalp due to a wider part or increased hair fall.
• Severe: Significant thinning that exposes the scalp or leads to bald patches.

Unlike men, complete baldness is rare in women, but the impact on self-esteem can still be significant.

Managing hair loss involves a combination of lifestyle changes, treatments, and medical interventions. Here’s what you can do:

• Use gentle hair care: Avoid harsh chemicals, heat styling, and tight hairstyles.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Focus on proteins, iron, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Try scalp treatments: Essential oils, scalp massages, and topical treatments like minoxidil can help.
• Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or therapy.
• Seek medical advice: A doctor can suggest medications, supplements, or further tests.

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure, but treatments can slow down or reverse hair loss. Female pattern baldness is usually progressive, meaning early intervention gives the best results.

The first signs of baldness in women can be subtle. Watch for:

• Increased hair shedding: More hair than usual falling out in the shower or on your pillow.
• Thinning hair: A loss of volume, making the hair look limp or flat.
• Widening part line: The scalp becomes more visible over time.
• Weaker hair strands: Hair feels brittle, dry, or thinner in texture.
• Slower hair growth: You notice your hair isn’t growing as quickly as before.

Early detection allows for quicker treatment and better results.

Female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) typically presents as:

• Gradual thinning at the crown or top of the head.
• A widening part line (different from male baldness, which starts at the temples).
• Hair thinning but no receding hairline (unlike male pattern baldness).
• More hair shedding than usual in the shower or while brushing.
• No scarring, redness, or irritation (unless another condition is involved).

It progresses slowly over time but rarely leads to total baldness.

Several treatments can help slow or reverse hair loss:

• Prescription treatments: Anti-androgens may be recommended for hormonal hair loss.
• Supplements: Iron, biotin, and vitamin D can help if deficiencies are a factor.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): A non-invasive option to stimulate hair follicles.
• PRP therapy: Platelet-rich plasma injections promote hair growth.
• Hair transplant: In severe cases, a hair transplant can redistribute healthy follicles.

While genetic hair loss can’t always be prevented, you can reduce the risk of excessive hair thinning by:

• Maintaining a healthy diet with iron, protein, and vitamins.
• Avoiding excessive heat and chemical treatments.
• Managing stress through exercise, sleep, and relaxation techniques.
• Checking for hormonal imbalances with your doctor.
• Using gentle hair care products that promote scalp health.

You can consult an online doctor through Hola Health’s telehealth services. An online GP can:

• Assess your hair loss symptoms and provides medical advice.
• Recommend blood tests to check for deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.
• Prescribe treatments through online scripts.
• Provide a specialist referral if needed.

You can get an online medical certificate through Hola Health if hair loss-related conditions are affecting your daily activities. Here’s how you can obtain medical certificate online:

• Start here and click on request a medical certificate
• Fill in your details and make payment.
• An online health practitioner will review your request and approve your medical certificate.
• After approval, your sick certificate online will be emailed to your email address.

Telehealth services, allow you to consult with a licensed doctor who can assess your symptoms and issue an online prescription, 24/7. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting an eScript:

• Request an instant script online.
• Choose the consultation type and fill in your details.
• Make payment and speak to a web doctor within 15 minutes through an instant consult.
• If approved, receive an online prescription via SMS.
• This instant script can be dispensed at your local pharmacy, or you can opt for online pharmacy delivery.

You can get an online referral through Hola Health for specialists, blood tests, pathology tests and so on.

Yes, you can speak to an online GP if hair loss is affecting your mental health. Hair loss, especially in women, can lead to stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. If you’re struggling emotionally due to hair loss, an online doctor can provide support, medical advice, and fully bulk-billed mental health care plans to help manage both the physical and psychological impact.

Access licensed online doctors from the comfort of your home 24/7. Get access to sick certificates, eScripts, and online doctor referrals, without leaving home. Hola Health helps to get access to:

• Telehealth doctor consultations: Connect with registered practitioners 24/7, within 15 minutes.
• 24/7 online doctor access: Speak to a medical practitioner after-hours, on weekends or during public holidays within 15 minutes.
• Instant scripts Australia: Get instant access to online prescriptions from the comfort of your home in Australia.
• Medical certificates: Request a legitimate medical certificate online for work, school, or carer duties, no clinic visit required.
• 24/7 online referrals Australia: Get GP referrals for specialists, pathology, and radiology tests without waiting for an in-person appointment.
• Mental health support: Access online mental health care plans from experienced professionals via telehealth.

Connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Virtual doctor appointments, 24/7
• Get scripts online Australia
• 24/7 medical certificates
• Online doctor referrals