“The GP should be able to tell you what’s causing your hair loss by looking at your hair. Tell them if your hair loss is affecting your well being, and ask what treatments are available,” the health body adds.
Hair loss, known medically as alopecia, is fairly common. It’s estimated, for instance, that around 40 percent of women aged 70 years or over experience female-pattern baldness.
Finasteride and minoxidil are the main treatments for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness. Women should not use finasteride.
The Cleveland Clinic says: “It is important to note that premenopausal women should not take medications for hair loss treatment without using contraception. Many drugs, including minoxidil and finasteride, are not safe for pregnant women or women who want to get pregnant.”
