There is no single “best” treatment. It depends on the cause and type of hair loss. For androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), the most effective, evidence-based options are:

• Minoxidil (topical foam/solution) for men and women
• Finasteride (oral) for men
• Spironolactone (oral, off-label for women)
• Ketoconazole shampoo for scalp health

For other causes like autoimmune alopecia areata or telogen effluvium, treatments differ. Your Doctors Online can prescribe medications like Finasteride or Dutasteride and advise if a specialist referral is needed.

Doctors may order blood tests to rule out underlying conditions. Common tests include:

• Thyroid function tests (TSH, T4) for thyroid disease
• Ferritin or iron levels for iron deficiency
• Vitamin D and B12 levels
• Hormonal panels (testosterone, DHEAS, prolactin) for suspected hormonal causes like PCOS
• CBC for anemia
• These help identify reversible causes of shedding, such as nutritional deficiencies or thyroid imbalance.

For male pattern baldness, the most substantial evidence supports:

• Oral Finasteride (reduces DHT levels)
• Topical/oral Minoxidil (stimulates follicle growth)

For advanced baldness, surgical options like hair transplants are considered, though not offered online. Combination therapy (Finasteride + Minoxidil) is often the most effective.

Treatment options for women include:

• Topical Minoxidil (first-line)
• Spironolactone (oral, anti-androgen, off-label)
• Finasteride in select postmenopausal women (off-label)
• Nutritional supplementation if deficiencies are found

Your Doctors Online can prescribe minoxidil or spironolactone where appropriate, with ongoing monitoring.

Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin have all been linked to hair shedding. Iron deficiency (low ferritin) and vitamin D deficiency are the most commonly associated with alopecia. Blood tests can confirm this, and supplementation may improve regrowth.

Leukemia itself rarely causes hair loss directly. However, it can lead to anemia and nutritional issues that may contribute to thinning hair. The most significant hair loss in leukemia patients is due to chemotherapy, which disrupts rapidly dividing cells like hair follicles.

Most medical treatments take 3 to 6 months of consistent use to show visible improvement. Minoxidil often causes initial shedding in the first 4–6 weeks before regrowth begins. Finasteride may take at least 6 months to slow the loss and encourage regrowth. Patience and consistency are critical.

Hormones, particularly DHT (dihydrotestosterone), play a major role in androgenetic alopecia. In women, hormonal imbalances due to PCOS or menopause can accelerate thinning. Treatments target hormones:

• Finasteride or Dutasteride reduces DHT (men)
• Spironolactone blocks androgen effects (women)
• Oral contraceptives may help in PCOS-related hair loss
• Managing the underlying hormonal imbalance is key to controlling hair loss.