Hair Loss

Overview

Hair loss is one of the most common concerns for men and women — and it can have a big impact on self-esteem. Whether it’s gradual thinning, a receding hairline, or patchy loss, many people find it frustrating and even distressing. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and at SwiftMedi your suitability will always be assessed by a UK-registered prescriber following a secure online consultation.

Symptoms

Hair loss can appear in different ways, depending on the cause:

• Gradual thinning on the top of the head — the most common pattern in both men and women.
• Receding hairline — particularly in men, starting above the temples.
• Patchy or circular bald spots — sometimes caused by autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata.
• Sudden shedding — often after stress, illness, or medication.
• Thinning across the scalp — common in women, especially after pregnancy or menopause.

Diagnosis

Most cases of hair loss are diagnosed simply by appearance and medical history. In men, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common type, while women may experience female pattern hair loss.

Your prescriber may ask:

• When hair loss started
• Whether it runs in your family
• About any recent stress, illness, or medication
• Blood tests or scalp examinations are rarely needed unless another condition is suspected.

Treatments

The best treatment depends on the cause. For most men with male pattern baldness, two licensed options are available:

• Finasteride tablets — A once-daily prescription medicine that blocks DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss). Proven to slow hair loss and promote regrowth in many men.
• Minoxidil (topical) — A scalp solution or foam applied directly to thinning areas, suitable for both men and women.

Other treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle measures — stress management, balanced diet, avoiding harsh hair treatments.
• Wigs, hairpieces, or styling changes for cosmetic support.
• Surgical options like hair transplants (outside SwiftMedi’s services).

At SwiftMedi, we provide safe access to clinically proven hair loss medicines, prescribed only if appropriate after a secure consultation.

Prevention

While genetic hair loss can’t always be prevented, you can support healthier hair by:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins
• Managing stress with exercise or mindfulness
• Avoiding harsh treatments like frequent bleaching, tight hairstyles, or excessive heat styling
• Treating scalp conditions early, such as dandruff or psoriasis

Misconceptions

“Hair loss only affects older men.”
False — it can begin in men as early as their 20s, and women often notice thinning during hormonal changes.

“Wearing hats causes baldness.”
Not true — hats don’t affect the hair follicle.

“Nothing can be done about hair loss.”
Wrong — licensed treatments like finasteride and minoxidil can make a real difference.

FAQ

What causes hair loss in men?
Usually male pattern baldness, linked to genetics and the hormone DHT.

Can women use the same treatments as men?
Women can use minoxidil, but finasteride is only licensed for men.

How long do treatments take to work?
It often takes 3–6 months of consistent use to see noticeable results.

Will hair loss medicines work for everyone?
Not always. Some people respond better than others — your prescriber will advise if treatment is suitable.

Is hair loss permanent?
Genetic hair loss is usually progressive, but treatments can slow or even reverse it in many cases.

Can stress cause hair loss?
Yes. Temporary shedding (telogen effluvium) can occur after stress, illness, or big life changes.