Hair loss

If they have lost eye brow hair and have diffuse thinning of scalp hair, or have developed weight gain, menorrhagia, constipation or tiredness, consider hypothyroidism.

If they have lost hair in a male baldness pattern, and developed hirsuitism, acne and oligomenorrhoea, consider polycystic ovarian syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome or a virilising tumour.

If they have lost secondary sexual body hair, and have a low libido or erectile dysfunction, consider hypogonadism or hypopituitarism.

If the hair loss is in well circumscribed patches, consider alopecia areata which may be associated with Addison’s disease, auto-immune thyroid disease and other organ specific auto-immune conditions.

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