Women's Hair Loss

Female-pattern hair loss is the most common cause — it runs in families and usually shows as gradual thinning at the parting or crown. Hair can also shed after pregnancy, illness or stress, or because of low iron, thyroid problems or the menopause.

Minoxidil is the licensed over-the-counter treatment for hereditary hair loss in women — available as Regaine for Women foam or solution. It helps hair regrow and slows further loss, but only while you keep using it; stopping means the benefit gradually fades.

Be patient — it typically takes three to six months of regular use to see a difference. A slight increase in shedding in the first few weeks can be normal as the hair cycle restarts, and isn't a reason to stop. Our pharmacist can help if you're unsure.

They play a supporting role. Plantur 39 is a cosmetic hair-care range for fine or brittle hair, and Perfectil is a food supplement with biotin, zinc and selenium, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Neither is a licensed medicine — minoxidil is the treatment with a medical licence.

See your GP if hair is coming out suddenly or in clumps, you have bald patches, your scalp is itchy or sore, or you have other symptoms such as tiredness — these can point to causes like alopecia areata, low iron or thyroid problems that need a proper check.