Hair loss is a common concern for both men and women, affecting people of all ages across Australia. While it is often associated with ageing, hair thinning or shedding can occur for many reasons, including genetics, hormones, stress, and underlying health conditions.
Understanding why hair loss happens is the first step toward finding the right treatment. With modern telehealth services, Australians can now speak with an online GP to assess hair loss causes and explore treatment options from the comfort of home or any Australia-wide location.
Understanding Hair Loss in Men and Women
Hair loss can present differently depending on gender, age, and individual health factors.
Male Hair Loss (Male Pattern Baldness)
Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It typically appears as:
- A receding hairline
- Thinning at the crown
- Gradual hair loss over time
This type of hair loss is largely genetic and linked to sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that affects hair follicles.
Female Hair Loss (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
Female hair loss often appears as:
- Diffuse thinning across the scalp
- Widening of the part
- Reduced hair volume rather than complete baldness
Genetics, lifestyle/stress, hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, menopause, or due to underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders are common contributors. Unlike male hair loss, women tend to retain their hairline.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss is not always genetic. Other contributing factors may include:
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders)
- Stress and illness, including post-viral shedding
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron or vitamin deficiencies
- Medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders
- Medications that affect hair growth cycles
- Tight hairstyles or scalp conditions
Identifying the underlying cause is essential to choosing an effective treatment plan.
What Can Be Done About Hair Loss?
While hair loss can be distressing and embarrassing, many cases can be managed or slowed with appropriate treatment and medical guidance.
1. Early Assessment Matters
Early intervention can improve outcomes. Consulting a GP, including via telehealth, allows for assessment, medical history review, and discussion of suitable treatment options.
2. Medical Treatments
Depending on the cause and individual suitability, treatment options may include:
- Topical or oral medications
- Hormonal treatments (where appropriate)
- Management of underlying medical conditions
- Prescription therapies to slow hair loss or encourage regrowth
An Australian GP can advise on safe, evidence-based options, where deemed appropriate.
3. Lifestyle and Health Factors
Improving overall health may support hair growth, including:
- Managing stress levels
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Treating scalp conditions
- Addressing vitamin or mineral deficiencies
4. Ongoing Monitoring
Hair loss treatments often take time to show results. Regular follow-up with a GP helps ensure treatment remains appropriate and effective.
How Telehealth Can Help With Hair Loss
Telehealth has made hair loss consultations more accessible across Australia. Online GP appointments allow patients to:
- Discuss hair loss concerns privately and discreetly
- Receive medical assessment and advice
- Access prescriptions where clinically appropriate
- Avoid long clinic wait times
Telehealth is particularly beneficial for patients in rural and regional areas or those seeking convenient, ongoing care.
Hair Loss Support With Private Medical
At Private Medical, our Australian-registered GPs provide professional telehealth consultations to assess male and female hair loss.
We focus on identifying potential causes and discussing suitable treatment pathways based on individual needs.
Our online GP services offer:
- Confidential hair loss consultations
- Evidence-based medical advice
- Prescriptions and referrals where appropriate
- Ongoing telehealth support
Whether you are experiencing early hair thinning or more noticeable hair loss, speaking with a GP can help you understand your options.
Take the First Step
Hair loss can impact confidence and wellbeing, but you do not have to navigate it alone. With early assessment and the right medical guidance, many people can manage hair loss effectively.
If you are concerned about hair loss, an online GP consultation with Private Medical can help you understand why it is happening and what you can do next.
How to Book Your Hair Loss/Restoration Online GP Appointment with Private Medical
Book your Hair Loss/Restoration Telehealth Appointment Online or call us on 135 001 to book your telehealth appointment over the phone.
