Women urged to request two GP tests for hair thinning

Millions of women experience hair thinning at some point, and a timely conversation with a GP can make a measurable difference. Following televised advice from ITV’s Dr Amir Khan urging women to ask their GP for two key tests if they notice thinning, many are wondering what that visit should include and which checks are commonly considered. While every case is individual and clinicians tailor investigations to symptoms and history, there is a clear pathway in UK primary care for evaluating hair changes that can flag underlying health issues—from nutritional deficiencies to thyroid imbalance or shifts linked to perimenopause. Here’s what to know, how to prepare for your appointment, and the types of assessments that are often discussed.

Why sudden hair thinning warrants a medical check

Hair thinning isn’t purely cosmetic; it can be a signal of what’s happening internally. Periods of significant shedding or a progressively widening parting can follow life events, medical changes, or scalp conditions. Early assessment helps to identify reversible causes and set expectations for regrowth timelines.

• Telogen effluvium: Diffuse shedding typically occurring 2–3 months after a trigger such as illness, major stress, rapid weight change, surgery, or a new medication.
• Hormonal changes: Postpartum shifts and perimenopausal hormone fluctuations can alter hair density and texture.
• Female pattern hair loss (FPHL): Gradual thinning over the crown and parting; management focuses on stabilising and supporting growth.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate iron stores, certain vitamins, or protein can compromise hair growth.
• Thyroid disorders: Both underactive and overactive thyroid function may affect hair.
• Scalp conditions: Dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, or inflammation can obstruct healthy growth if untreated.
• Traction or chemical stress: Tight styles, frequent heat, or harsh chemical processes can provoke breakage and thinning over time.

The key is not to panic but to act promptly. Hair grows in cycles; if a root cause is identified and addressed, improvements often follow—though visible results take patience.

Your GP appointment: how to prepare and what to expect

Arriving prepared helps your GP build a clear timeline and choose appropriate investigations. When you book, mention that you’re experiencing hair thinning—this can sometimes secure a slightly longer consultation.

• Keep a timeline: Note when shedding or thinning started and any possible triggers (illness, stress, new contraception, change in diet, recent childbirth).
• Bring photos: Weekly pictures in similar lighting can help demonstrate progression or stabilisation.
• List medications and supplements: Include recent changes, over-the-counter products, and any herbal remedies.
• Family and menstrual history: Share any family pattern of hair loss, menstrual irregularities, or symptoms of perimenopause.

During the consultation, your GP will typically:

• Examine the scalp and hair shafts to assess distribution of thinning, breakage, and any inflammation or scaling.
• Run a gentle ‘pull test’ to estimate active shedding.
• Review general health including sleep, stress, diet, recent illnesses, and systemic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, weight change, temperature sensitivity).

Dr Amir Khan’s televised reminder about asking for two tests underscores a broader point: women should feel empowered to advocate for appropriate checks. If your hair is thinning, it’s reasonable to ask your GP which blood tests are suitable based on your history, and to discuss next steps should results be normal yet symptoms persist.

Common GP blood tests considered for female hair thinning

Investigations are personalised; not everyone needs the same panel. In UK primary care, clinicians often consider the following when hair thinning is reported, alongside the clinical examination:

• Iron status (including ferritin): Assesses iron stores. Suboptimal ferritin may correlate with increased shedding; repletion is managed under medical guidance.
• Thyroid function tests (TSH, with reflex to T4 as indicated): Screens for underactive or overactive thyroid function, both of which can influence hair growth cycles.
• Full blood count (FBC): Identifies anaemia or signs of infection/inflammation that could contribute to fatigue and hair changes.
• Vitamin D: Low levels are common in the UK and may be considered as part of a broader wellbeing assessment.
• Vitamin B12 and folate: Relevant if dietary intake is low, absorption is impaired, or there are neurological or haematological symptoms.
• Additional tests guided by symptoms: For example, markers of inflammation, hormonal profiles in suspected PCOS, or coeliac screening if malabsorption is suspected.

Your GP will interpret results in context and may suggest lifestyle adjustments, supplementation, or further investigation. If scalp disease or scarring alopecia is suspected, a dermatology referral may be advised. If hereditary pattern hair loss is likely, evidence-based topical or oral options may be discussed, weighing benefits and risks for your situation.

Treatment expectations and timelines

Hair grows at roughly 1 cm per month and cycles through growth, rest, and shedding phases. Even after the root cause is addressed—say, normalising thyroid levels or improving iron stores—visible changes take time. Many people see initial stabilisation within 8–12 weeks and fuller cosmetic improvement over 3–6 months, sometimes longer.

• Correcting deficiencies: Iron, vitamin D, or B-group vitamins are replenished under medical advice; self-supplementation isn’t recommended without bloodwork.
• Topical therapies: Where appropriate, evidence-backed solutions may be considered. Your GP or dermatologist will advise what’s suitable for you.
• Scalp care: Managing dandruff and inflammation with medicated shampoos or prescribed treatments can optimise the environment for healthy growth.
• Styling choices: Reducing tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments, and high-heat styling mitigates breakage and traction.
• Stress and sleep: Persistent stress can prolong shedding; consistent sleep and stress-reduction strategies support recovery.

Importantly, hair recovery is rarely linear—you may notice periods of renewed shedding even as overall density improves. Photographic tracking and follow-up appointments help maintain perspective.

When to seek urgent or specialist help

Some signs warrant faster escalation:

• Sudden bald patches or sharply demarcated areas of loss.
• Scalp pain, redness, or pustules suggesting active inflammation or infection.
• Rapid, progressive thinning with visible scalp showing within weeks.
• Accompanying systemic symptoms, such as profound fatigue, palpitations, weight changes, or heavy/irregular periods.
• Signs of scarring alopecia (shiny, smooth areas with loss of follicular openings), which require prompt dermatology input.

If you’re postpartum, increased shedding typically peaks around 3–4 months after birth and improves by 6–12 months. If loss is severe, persists beyond a year, or is accompanied by other symptoms, check in with your GP.

Key Takeaways

• Televised advice by Dr Amir Khan highlights the importance of asking for appropriate GP tests if you notice hair thinning.
• Your GP will tailor investigations to your history and symptoms; common checks can include iron status and thyroid function among others.
• Act early—many causes are reversible, and regrowth typically becomes noticeable over 3–6 months once the root issue is addressed.
• Arrive prepared with a timeline, photos, and medication list to make your appointment more productive.
• Escalate promptly if you see rapid loss, bald patches, scalp pain, or worrying systemic symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is some hair shedding normal?
Yes. Losing 50–100 hairs per day is common. A sustained increase, a widening parting, or visible scalp where you didn’t see it before merits a GP consultation.

What are the two tests I should ask my GP about?
Television coverage urged women to request key tests if thinning occurs. Your GP will decide which are most relevant after taking a history and examining the scalp. In practice, iron status and thyroid function are frequently considered, among others, but testing is individualised.

How long after correcting a deficiency will hair improve?
Once a deficiency is being treated, shedding often stabilises within 1–3 months, with cosmetic improvements becoming more noticeable over 3–6 months. Patience and consistent follow-up are essential.

Can perimenopause cause hair thinning?
Hormonal fluctuation in perimenopause can contribute to changes in density and texture. Your GP can advise on management options and whether further evaluation is appropriate.

Is postpartum hair loss permanent?
Postpartum shedding usually starts around 8–12 weeks after delivery and improves within 6–12 months. If it’s severe, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms, speak to your GP.

Do tight hairstyles lead to hair loss?
Chronic traction from tight ponytails, braids, extensions, or locs can cause traction alopecia. Looser styles and protective care help reduce risk; early changes are most reversible.

Should I start supplements before blood tests?
It’s best not to self-supplement for suspected deficiencies without testing and medical advice, as excessive intake can be harmful and may complicate interpretation of results.

When should I see a dermatologist?
If your GP suspects scarring alopecia, if first-line measures don’t help, or if there are complex scalp findings, a dermatology referral can provide further assessment and treatment planning.