Hair loss: what to check first and how to start fixing it

Seeing more hair in the shower drain is scary, but you don’t have to guess what’s happening. Hair loss has clear causes and real options — some are simple, some need a doctor. This guide gives practical steps you can take today to figure out why you’re losing hair and which treatments actually work.

Tests and first steps

Start by looking for obvious triggers. Have you recently changed meds, had a major illness, or high stress? Certain prescriptions, severe dieting, thyroid problems, and low iron can cause shedding. Make a short list of recent changes, then book a primary care visit or a dermatologist consult.

Ask your doctor for a few basic blood tests: thyroid function (TSH), ferritin (iron stores), and sometimes basic hormones. These tests are cheap and can rule out treatable causes. A doctor can also look at the pattern of hair loss — that helps tell male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss from patchy or autoimmune types.

Treatment options and what to expect

Topical minoxidil is the low-cost first step. It can slow shedding and boost regrowth for many people when used consistently. Expect at least 3–6 months before you see progress. Stopping it brings hair back to where it was, so think of it as ongoing care, not a one-off fix.

Finasteride (oral) works well for many men with pattern hair loss because it blocks the hormone that shrinks follicles. It needs a prescription and may have side effects, so discuss risks and benefits with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use it.

For people who want faster or stronger results, procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or hair transplants are options. Transplants move your own hair from dense areas to thin spots; they’re permanent but require an experienced surgeon and realistic expectations. PRP can help in some cases but results vary.

Don’t ignore lifestyle: eat enough protein, keep iron and vitamin D in range, sleep better, and manage stress. Tight hairstyles and harsh treatments can worsen hair loss — switch to gentle care and avoid hot tools when possible.

Shopping for treatments online? Be careful. Only buy prescription meds from verified pharmacies, check credentials, and save receipts. If a deal looks too good or a site skips a prescription where one’s needed, walk away.

How fast will you see change? If the cause is temporary (stress or a medicine), hair often regrows within 3–9 months after the trigger is removed. For genetic thinning, expect gradual improvements with ongoing treatment and realistic goals.

If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or comes with scalp pain, see a doctor quickly. Early diagnosis gives the best chance to stop or reverse loss.

Ready to act? Start with a simple checklist: note recent changes, get basic blood tests, and speak to a clinician about minoxidil or other options. Small, consistent steps usually win over time.