Spital Clinic offers comprehensive care for women experiencing hair loss and thinning. Our Women's Health GPs provide expert assessment, diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans for female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and other causes of hair thinning.
Book your visit us at our City of London clinic, open 7 days a week, offering same-day appointments. The price includes a 30' consultation and baseline blood tests.
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Our women's health doctors will take a detailed history, examine your scalp, and arrange relevant blood tests. We'll identify the cause of your hair loss and discuss treatment options.
Blood tests include Ferritin,U&Es ,Thyroid: TSH, Free T4, free T3, Anti-TPO Abs, Anti-thyroglobulin Abs, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate, Zinc. Results come back within 4 working days.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair thinning in women. It occurs due to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, causing hair follicles to gradually miniaturise over time. This results in finer, shorter, and lighter hairs, particularly noticeable on the crown and along the part line. Unlike male pattern baldness, the frontal hairline is usually preserved in women.
FPHL is classified as a non-scarring alopecia, meaning the hair follicles remain intact and regrowth is possible with treatment. The condition typically progresses slowly over years to decades, though earlier onset can sometimes correlate with faster progression. While there is no cure for FPHL, treatments are available that can slow progression and, in some cases, promote regrowth. It's important to understand that most treatments only work while being used continuously.
Diagnosing female pattern hair loss is primarily clinical, based on a detailed history and scalp examination. Your doctor will ask about the onset, duration, and pattern of hair loss, as well as any symptoms such as itching, pain, or scalp tenderness. They will also enquire about your menstrual history, pregnancy status, medications, recent illness or stress, and family history of hair loss.
During the examination, your doctor will assess the distribution of hair thinning, look for miniaturisation of hair shafts, and examine the scalp skin for any signs of inflammation or scarring. In most cases, blood tests are recommended to identify any reversible contributors to hair loss. Our standard panel may include full blood count, ferritin, thyroid function tests, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc. If there are features suggesting hormonal imbalance or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), additional hormone tests may be requested for an additional price.
In some cases, clinical photographs and dermoscopy (a magnified examination of the scalp) may be used to document baseline appearance and monitor progress. If the diagnosis is uncertain or scarring alopecia is suspected, referral to a dermatologist for a scalp biopsy may be recommended.
Common signs and symptoms of female pattern hair loss include:
It's important to note that some hair shedding is normal—most people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, if you notice your hair becoming noticeably thinner, your parting widening, or more scalp becoming visible, it may be worth seeking assessment.
Red flag symptoms that require urgent assessment include pain, burning, or tenderness of the scalp, visible loss of hair follicle openings, shiny or scarred scalp areas, pustules or crusting, and rapidly progressive patchy hair loss. These may indicate scarring alopecia, which requires prompt referral to a dermatologist.
Treatment for female pattern hair loss depends on the severity of symptoms, underlying causes, and individual preferences. The goal of treatment is to slow or stop progression and, where possible, promote some regrowth. It's important to have realistic expectations—meaningful improvement typically takes several months.
Hair loss can have a significant psychological and emotional impact on women. Hair is often closely tied to identity, femininity, and self-expression, and losing it can affect confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. Many women experience anxiety, low mood, or social withdrawal as a result of hair thinning.
At Spital Clinic, we understand that hair loss is more than a cosmetic concern. Our approach includes not only clinical assessment and treatment but also emotional support and practical advice. We can provide information about cosmetic options, signpost to support organisations like Alopecia UK, and ensure you feel heard and supported throughout your treatment journey.
It's important to remember that you are not alone—female pattern hair loss affects millions of women, and effective treatments and support are available. With appropriate care, many women successfully manage their hair loss and find renewed confidence.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question about Female Hair Loss? We have an answer.
For most women presenting with hair loss, we recommend a standard panel including full blood count, ferritin, thyroid function tests, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc. These help identify reversible contributors to hair loss. If there are features suggesting hormonal imbalance or PCOS (such as irregular periods, acne, or excess facial hair), additional hormone tests including testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin may be requested. It's important to note that normal blood test results do not exclude female pattern hair loss—the diagnosis is primarily clinical.
Topical minoxidil, the first-line treatment for female pattern hair loss, typically needs to be used for at least 6 months before assessing whether it is effective. Some women notice initial increased shedding in the first 4–6 weeks, which usually settles and can actually be a sign that the treatment is working. Meaningful improvement in hair density and thickness may take 6–12 months of consistent use. It's important to understand that treatment must be continued indefinitely to maintain benefits—if stopped, hair loss will likely resume.
Female pattern hair loss is a progressive condition, and while there is no cure, treatments can slow or stop progression and sometimes promote partial regrowth. The earlier treatment is started, the better the outcomes tend to be. Addressing reversible factors such as nutritional deficiencies or thyroid dysfunction can also help improve hair health. Hair loss caused by other factors, such as telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding) or traction alopecia, may be more reversible if the underlying cause is addressed.
You should seek assessment if you notice gradual thinning of your hair, widening of your part line, or increased scalp visibility. Urgent referral to a dermatologist is recommended if you experience pain, burning, or tenderness of the scalp, visible scarring or loss of follicle openings, rapidly progressive or patchy hair loss, or pustules and crusting on the scalp. You should also seek specialist advice if you have not responded to 6 months of appropriate treatment, if the diagnosis is uncertain, or if you are experiencing significant psychological distress related to your hair loss.
In most cases, female pattern hair loss is a benign condition related to genetics and hormones. However, hair loss can sometimes be associated with underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency anaemia, autoimmune disorders, or hormonal imbalances like PCOS. Scarring alopecia is a less common but more serious form of hair loss that requires prompt specialist assessment. This is why a thorough clinical assessment and appropriate investigations are important—to ensure any underlying causes are identified and treated.
According to verified reviews from platforms such as Doctify, TrustPilot and Google - 99% patients have a positive experience at Spital Clinic.
"Great experience. Frustratingly we had 3 NIPTs come back with no result so had to do 3 blood redraws but thanks to LPC’s persistence we finally got a result on the 4th draw. After the 3rd no result they also kindly offered us a free anomaly scan."
"I had a surprisingly positive experience. The most friendly and helpful staff, clean and beautiful premises. The visit was smooth and quick but never felt rushed and I was able to ask all the questions I had. Thanks so much!"
"The service was exceptional from the moment we booked to the moment we left the building post our appointment. The lovely colleagues at the main desk were great and approachable. They made the whole process very comforting."
"I really recommend this clinic, everything was smooth and perfect. All staff are helpful and our sonographer Miss Shaz is an expert on her job, she is very kind and explained everything that we asked. I am glad to choose LPC."
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
