Losing hair is unsettling, and the internet is full of quick fixes. But hair loss (alopecia) isn't a single condition — it's a symptom with many possible causes, and the right treatment depends entirely on finding the right one. Some causes need nothing more than reassurance and time; others point to thyroid disease, iron deficiency or hormonal problems that deserve proper medical attention.
Here are the most common causes of hair loss in Australia, the signs that suggest an underlying condition, which tests a GP may order, and how to get assessed online.
Worried about hair loss? An AHPRA-registered GP can assess you online, order blood tests and prescribe treatment — from $49.
Book an Online GP ConsultationWhat Causes Hair Loss?
The most common causes seen by GPs include:
- Male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) — the most common cause overall. It's genetic and hormone-driven, causing gradual thinning at the temples and crown in men, and diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp in women, usually with the hairline preserved.
- Telogen effluvium — temporary, widespread shedding two to three months after a physical or emotional stressor: illness (including COVID-19), surgery, rapid weight loss, childbirth, severe stress or new medications. It usually recovers on its own within six to nine months.
- Alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition causing smooth, round bald patches, sometimes on the scalp, eyebrows or beard. It can resolve spontaneously or need treatment.
- Iron deficiency — low iron stores (ferritin) are a well-recognised contributor to hair shedding, especially in menstruating women.
- Thyroid disease — both an overactive and underactive thyroid can cause diffuse hair thinning.
- Nutritional deficiencies and crash dieting — low protein, zinc, vitamin D or sudden calorie restriction.
- Hormonal conditions — polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other androgen-related conditions can cause thinning in women.
- Medications — some blood thinners, antidepressants, acne treatments and chemotherapy agents list hair loss as a side effect.
- Traction and styling damage — tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments and heat styling.
- Scarring conditions and fungal infections — less common, but important to catch early because they can cause permanent loss.
For an overview of symptoms and treatment options, see our hair loss condition page.
Where and how hair is lost — patches, diffuse shedding or a receding hairline — points to very different causes.
Shedding that starts 2–3 months after illness, childbirth or stress is often temporary telogen effluvium.
Blood tests aren't needed for every case — GPs typically check iron, thyroid and hormones when the pattern suggests it.
Most hair loss treatments are more effective when started early — another reason not to wait it out.
Which Pattern Points to Which Cause?
When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss
- Shedding or thinning that's sudden, rapid or came on after an illness, stress or new medication
- Bald patches, especially smooth or round ones
- A receding hairline or thinning that's progressing and bothering you
- Hair loss alongside fatigue, weight changes, cold intolerance or irregular periods
- Scalp symptoms — pain, itching, scaling, redness, burning or sores
- Hair loss after starting a new medication
- Any hair loss affecting your confidence or mental wellbeing — this is a valid reason to seek help on its own
Which Tests Can a GP Order for Hair Loss?
Blood tests aren't needed for every case — classic pattern hair loss is usually diagnosed clinically — but they're worthwhile when there's diffuse shedding, scalp symptoms or signs of an underlying condition. A GP may order:
- Ferritin and iron studies — the most common deficiency checked in hair loss
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, with T3/T4 if indicated)
- Full blood count — anaemia and general health screen
- Hormone tests — testosterone and related hormones, particularly for women with irregular cycles or signs of PCOS
- Vitamin D, zinc and B12 — when diet or deficiency is suspected
- Skin examination or swabs — for suspected fungal infection or scarring conditions, sometimes with a dermatology referral
Results are returned to the requesting doctor, who reviews them with you and adjusts the plan — either by telehealth follow-up or message.
Hair loss itself is rarely an emergency, but seek urgent medical care if you have hair loss with a fever and rapidly worsening illness, painful blistering or ulcerating sores on the scalp, or sudden weakness, numbness or vision changes — these suggest a condition that needs same-day assessment.
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
How a Telehealth GP Can Help With Hair Loss
An online consultation with an AHPRA-registered Australian GP covers most hair loss workups:
- A structured history: onset, pattern, shedding, triggers, medications, diet and family history
- Visual assessment of the scalp and hair by video, with good lighting
- A blood test referral online for iron, thyroid, hormone or vitamin testing when indicated — $25
- Prescriptions for appropriate treatments delivered as eScripts, when clinically suitable
- A specialist referral online to a dermatologist for patchy, scarring or treatment-resistant cases — $25
- Ongoing review to track progress and adjust treatment
GP consultations start from $49, referrals are $25 and repeat prescriptions are $25, with transparent, upfront pricing — see current pricing and fees.
How to Get a Hair Loss Assessment Online in 3 Steps
- Book online: Choose a GP consultation and briefly describe your hair loss, including when it started and any recent illness, stress or medication changes (book now).
- Speak with a GP: A video or phone consult covering your history and a visual assessment of your scalp.
- Get tests or treatment digitally: Receive your blood test referral, prescriptions or dermatologist referral, then follow up online to review results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about hair loss causes, tests and online care in Australia.
What blood tests are done for hair loss?
The most common are ferritin and iron studies, thyroid function tests (TSH), full blood count, and hormone tests — particularly for women with irregular periods or signs of PCOS. Vitamin D, zinc and B12 are added when deficiency is suspected. Your GP will tailor the panel to your history rather than ordering everything routinely.
Can a telehealth GP order blood tests for hair loss?
Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP can assess you by video or phone and, if testing is clinically appropriate, issue a digital pathology referral — $25 at NewTeleDoc Medical. You take it to any Australian pathology collection centre, and results are returned to the requesting doctor.
Is hair loss from stress permanent?
Usually not. Stress-related shedding (telogen effluvium) occurs two to three months after the trigger and typically recovers within six to nine months once the underlying stressor is resolved. If shedding continues beyond that, or patches appear, see a GP to check for other causes — including iron deficiency or thyroid disease.
When is hair loss a sign of something serious?
See a doctor promptly if hair loss is patchy, comes with scalp pain, redness, scaling or sores, or occurs alongside fatigue, weight changes, or menstrual irregularity. Sudden diffuse loss after illness or a new medication also warrants a review. Rapid progression or scarring of the scalp needs early assessment because scarring hair loss can become permanent.
Can hair loss be treated?
Often, yes — but treatment depends on the cause. Pattern hair loss has effective prescription treatments that work best when started early. Iron or thyroid-related hair loss improves when the underlying deficiency or condition is treated. Alopecia areata has several treatment pathways your GP can discuss, including referral to a dermatologist.
Get Your Hair Loss Assessed Today
Skip the clinic queue. An AHPRA-registered GP can assess you online and send blood test referrals, prescriptions or specialist referrals digitally.
Book an Online GP Consultation