Sudden hair loss can be reversed, doctors say, with iron, thyroid and hormone-based treatments

Hair loss that appears suddenly and persists can often be reversed, according to GP Dr Ellie Cannon, who outlines several treatments tied to underlying causes. Clinicians have heard patients report months of shedding, including cases where individuals described four months of hair loss before seeking help.

One frequent trigger is low ferritin, the iron-storage protein that hair growth relies on. Ferritin levels have to be high for hair to grow well, and when they dip, hair can begin to fall out. A GP can order a ferritin blood test and, if levels are low, would typically recommend a daily iron supplement. A multivitamin that contains at least 14 mg of iron can have the same effect.

Thyroid disease is another condition that can lead to hair loss. The thyroid gland in the neck may not produce enough hormones. The problem can be identified with a blood test, and if diagnosed, a GP can prescribe thyroxine to boost thyroid hormones and should combat hair loss.

For women, the menopause is one of the biggest triggers of sudden hair loss. Those experiencing shedding during this period should ask their GP about trying a short course of oestrogen medication, one of the female sex hormones the body stops producing at high levels once menopause begins.

There is also a pattern baldness that can affect both men and women, primarily at the top and front of the scalp. Two drugs, finasteride and minoxidil, can treat it. However, the NHS only offers minoxidil to eligible patients, meaning many have to pay for treatment through a private pharmacy or hair loss clinic.

It’s also important to remember that it’s normal to lose hair. Most people shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, and they often don’t notice it. The rate tends to accelerate with age. In some cases hair loss can be temporary, triggered by illness, stress, cancer treatment, or weight loss.

If you are worried about hair loss, a visit to the GP can help identify an underlying condition and map a path to treatment. Early diagnosis and tailored therapy can improve the chances of reversing the loss.