Dr Amir Khan: Women with hair thinning should see their GP

ITV’s Dr Amir Khan has highlighted an issue many women quietly worry about: hair thinning. As reported, he urged anyone noticing increased shedding or widening partings to speak to their GP and consider key health questions, noting that the reasons are often invisible to the naked eye. In the UK, female hair thinning is frequently linked to stress, hormonal shifts, nutritional shortfalls, medical conditions and certain hairstyles — so a calm, evidence-based approach with your GP is the best first step.

What women’s hair thinning looks like — and why it happens

Female hair thinning tends to show differently from the classic male pattern. Instead of a receding hairline, many women notice a broader parting through the crown, a drop in ponytail volume, or diffuse shedding after illness or stress. Understanding the broad categories can help you describe your symptoms clearly at your appointment:

• Female pattern hair loss (FPHL): Gradual thinning on the crown or a widening parting. Often has a genetic component and may be influenced by hormones.
• Telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding): A noticeable increase in hair fall usually 2–3 months after a trigger such as illness, major stress, surgery, calorie restriction, or iron deficiency.
• Postpartum shedding: Temporary shedding after birth, typically peaking around three to four months postpartum and settling within a year.
• Traction alopecia: Thinning or breakage around hairlines and temples due to tight styles, heavy extensions, or frequent high-tension braids.
• Medical or scalp conditions: Thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), autoimmune alopecia areata, psoriasis, or seborrhoeic dermatitis can impact hair volume and health.

Crucially, many of these causes sit beneath the surface — in blood markers, hormones, or scalp inflammation — which is why a GP visit is so important.

Preparing for your GP appointment

While Dr Khan emphasised the value of asking informed questions, you don’t need a script to start a productive conversation. Go in prepared with a clear picture of your symptoms and health context. Consider bringing a short timeline and any photos showing changes in your parting or hair density.

• Track symptoms: When did shedding start? Is it diffuse or patchy? Any itch, soreness, or flaking?
• List potential triggers: Recent illness, high stress, weight changes, pregnancy/postpartum, new contraception or medications, dietary shifts, or tight hairstyles.
• Family history: Any relatives with hair thinning, early menopause, thyroid issues, or autoimmune conditions?
• Styling habits: Heat frequency, chemical treatments, protective styles, extensions, and how often you wear high-tension looks.

In the UK, your GP may assess your scalp and health history and, where appropriate, arrange blood tests to look for correctable issues such as iron deficiency or thyroid imbalance. The precise tests will vary by individual; your GP will advise based on your symptoms and medical history.

To make the conversation easier, here are examples of smart, open questions you can ask your GP (these are general prompts rather than a direct quotation of Dr Khan’s advice):

• “Could there be a medical reason for my hair thinning, and what should we check first?”
• “If a deficiency or hormone issue is likely, which tests are appropriate for my situation?”
• “What treatment options or lifestyle changes should I consider now, and when should I see a specialist?”

Depending on your case, you may be monitored in primary care or referred to dermatology or endocrinology. The key is to rule out treatable causes and set realistic expectations for regrowth timelines.

Evidence-informed options you can discuss with your clinician

Once obvious triggers are addressed, a combination approach often works best. Always discuss suitability with a healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, or have underlying conditions.

• Address medical drivers: Correcting iron deficiency and thyroid imbalance, managing PCOS, adjusting medications where appropriate, and treating inflammatory scalp conditions can noticeably improve shedding.
• Topical treatments: Over-the-counter minoxidil is widely used for female pattern hair loss. Consistency is essential and results are typically assessed over several months.
• Hairstyle strategy: Reduce prolonged high-tension styles, vary partings, opt for lightweight extensions or wigs, and give hairline areas regular breaks.
• Scalp care: Manage dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis with appropriate shampoos; a calmer scalp can support a healthier environment for growth.
• Nutrition: Aim for balanced protein intake and iron-rich foods if you’re prone to low ferritin. Extreme calorie restriction can exacerbate shedding.
• Stress and recovery: Telogen effluvium often settles after the body recalibrates post-illness, stress, or birth. Gentle habits and time matter.

Specialist treatments exist — from prescription anti-androgen therapies to in-clinic procedures — but these require clinician guidance and are not suitable for everyone. Your GP or dermatologist can advise what aligns with your diagnosis and health profile.

When to seek help sooner

While gradual thinning can be assessed routinely, a few red flags warrant timelier review:

• Rapid or patchy loss: Sudden clumps of hair or distinct smooth patches.
• Scalp symptoms: Pain, intense itching, scaling, redness, or pimples around follicles.
• Scarring signs: Shiny, scar-like areas on the scalp — prompt review is important to prevent permanent loss.
• Systemic symptoms: Unexplained fatigue, weight change, palpitations, heavy periods, or skin changes alongside shedding.

If you’re unsure, book in with your GP. Early clarity can save months of worry and help you focus on what works.

Key Takeaways

• Hair thinning in women often stems from causes you can’t see — from iron and thyroid issues to stress and genetics — so a GP visit is a smart first move.
• Track your symptoms, triggers, and styling habits to make your appointment efficient and targeted.
• Ask open, practical questions about possible medical causes, appropriate tests, and next steps.
• Management is often multi-pronged: address health drivers, optimise scalp care and styling, and consider evidence-backed treatments with clinical guidance.
• Seek prompt review if hair loss is rapid, patchy, painful, or accompanied by scalp or systemic symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to shed more hair in autumn or after illness?
Yes. Seasonal shifts and recovery from illness can temporarily push more hairs into the shedding phase. This is often self-limiting, settling within months.

How can I tell female pattern hair loss from telogen effluvium?
Female pattern loss is gradual and often shows as a widening part at the crown. Telogen effluvium is diffuse shedding that typically follows a trigger by 2–3 months and then improves as the trigger resolves.

Can contraception or HRT affect my hair?
Hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy can influence hair in some individuals. Any new thinning after a change in hormones should be discussed with your GP, who can weigh risks and benefits for you.

Do tight styles and extensions really cause thinning?
Yes, chronic high tension can lead to traction alopecia, especially around the hairline and temples. Rotate styles, reduce tension, and choose lighter options to protect your edges.

Are supplements necessary for hair growth?
They can help if you have a confirmed deficiency, such as iron deficiency. However, taking supplements without an identified need is unlikely to help and may carry risks. Test, then target.

How long until I see improvement?
Hair grows slowly. Even with appropriate treatment, visible improvements often take three to six months or more. Consistency and patience are essential.