Why Early Assessment Makes a Difference
Hair loss almost always follows a progressive pattern — particularly androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. The clinical argument for early assessment is straightforward: the earlier the cause is identified and appropriate management initiated, the better the outcome. Waiting until hair loss is advanced significantly reduces the treatment options available.
If you have noticed changes in your hair density, hairline, or shedding pattern — even if you are not sure whether it is significant enough to see a doctor about — book a consultation. Your doctor tells you honestly whether intervention is warranted and what the options are.
Who This Service Is For
This consultation is appropriate for adults experiencing:
- Gradual thinning of hair on the scalp — in men or women
- Receding hairline or temporal thinning
- Thinning at the crown or top of the scalp
- Sudden or patchy hair loss
- Diffuse shedding — more hair in the shower, on the pillow, or in the brush
- Hair loss following a significant life event — illness, surgery, childbirth, or intense stress
- Hair loss associated with other symptoms — fatigue, weight changes, skin or nail changes — that may indicate an underlying condition
- Scalp health concerns — dandruff, seborrhoea, or inflammation affecting hair growth
- Hair loss that has not responded to over-the-counter treatments
Conditions Commonly Assessed
Male hair loss
- Androgenetic alopecia — the most common cause of hair loss in men, assessed and managed at GP level including discussion of evidence-based treatment options
- Alopecia areata — patchy, autoimmune-basis hair loss
- Telogen effluvium — diffuse shedding following illness, stress, or nutritional deficiency
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp inflammation contributing to hair loss
- Medication-related hair loss — assessment and management
Female hair loss
- Female pattern androgenetic alopecia
- Telogen effluvium — particularly post-partum, following significant illness, or after major stress
- Alopecia areata
- Hair loss related to hormonal changes — PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, menopause, or post-partum hormonal changes
- Hair loss related to nutritional deficiency — iron, ferritin, vitamin D, B12, and zinc
- Traction alopecia — related to hairstyling practices
- Medication-related hair loss
Both
- Tinea capitis — fungal scalp infection causing hair loss, requiring treatment
- Scarring alopecia — requires urgent dermatology referral
- Hair loss as a symptom of systemic conditions — thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, anaemia
What Your Consultation Includes
Full hair loss assessment
Your GP takes a detailed history of your hair loss — onset, pattern, rate of progression, family history, associated symptoms, current medications, nutritional status, recent life events, and general health — building a complete picture as the basis for identifying the cause.
Identification of underlying cause
Hair loss is frequently a symptom of something systemic — not just an aesthetic concern. Your GP assesses hormonal, nutritional, autoimmune, and medication-related contributors that may be causing or accelerating your hair loss.
Evidence-based management plan
Based on the assessment, your GP advises on the most appropriate approach for your specific type of hair loss — which may include nutritional optimisation, topical treatments, clinical recommendations at the doctor's professional discretion, and referral where indicated.
Investigation requests where indicated
Where blood tests are clinically indicated — thyroid function, ferritin, iron studies, hormonal panel, vitamin levels — your GP issues the request the same day.
Clinical documentation — at the doctor's professional discretion
When clinically indicated, your GP issues appropriate clinical documentation valid at any pharmacy in Spain.
Note: Controlled substances cannot be issued electronically under Spanish law. Your doctor advises if this applies to your situation.
Dermatology referral where needed
Certain hair loss conditions — including scarring alopecia, complex alopecia areata, and presentations requiring scalp biopsy — require specialist dermatology assessment. Your GP advises clearly if this is your case and coordinates referral.
Why Hair Loss Is Dismissed Too Often
Hair loss is frequently met with "it is normal" or "it is just stress" — sometimes correctly, but too often without proper investigation. A GP who genuinely assesses hair loss does not start with a generic answer. They start with a complete history, assess the hormonal and nutritional picture, and identify the specific cause before proposing an approach tailored to that cause.
The difference between "it is probably stress" without investigation and "your ferritin is low and this is causing telogen effluvium, which is treatable" with a blood test is not a small one. It is the difference between a dismissed concern and an identified, manageable condition.
