Medical History

and Medication Review

Medical History and Medication Review

Understanding your medical background is an essential part of diagnosing hair loss accurately. Many health conditions, medications, and physiological changes can disrupt the normal hair cycle. A thorough review helps identify hidden contributors and ensures that any treatment recommended is both safe and effective.

Why Medical History Matters in Hair Loss Treatment
Hair loss is not always caused by genetics alone. Underlying medical conditions, nutrient imbalances, hormonal changes, and long-term medication use can all weaken hair follicles or accelerate shedding. At Terra Medical, reviewing your medical history allows your doctor to:
  • Identify treatable medical causes
  • Detect conditions that may worsen hair loss if not addressed
  • Ensure proposed treatments are safe
  • Create a tailored plan that supports overall scalp and hair health
A detailed history ensures that treatment targets the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Scroll to see Common
Health Conditions Linked to Hair Loss

486805-200
Common Health Conditions Linked to Hair Loss
Several medical conditions can directly interfere with normal hair growth cycles.

Hormonal and thyroid disorders

  • Hypothyroidism — low thyroid hormone may slow metabolism and cause diffuse thinning
  • Hyperthyroidism — high thyroid hormone increases shedding
Hair loss usually appears months after the onset of thyroid imbalance.

Autoimmune conditions

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Hashimoto’s disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriasis
These conditions may trigger inflammation that disrupts follicle function.

Nutritional deficiencies and anaemia

  • Iron deficiency
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Folate deficiency
These cause reduced oxygen delivery to follicles, leading to weakened, brittle hair.

Psychiatric and behavioural conditions

  • Trichotillomania — compulsive hair pulling
  • Anxiety disorders — stress-induced telogen effluvium
  • Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa)

Skin and scalp conditions

  • Scalp psoriasis
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Chronic inflammation affects follicle stability.

Others

  • Secondary syphilis — may cause patchy “moth-eaten” hair loss
  • Postpartum state — shedding peaks 4–6 months after giving birth
  • Post-surgical state — physical stress and anaesthesia can trigger telogen effluvium
Medications That May Contribute to Hair Thinning

Certain medications can influence the hair growth cycle. Your doctor will review all current or recent medications to assess possible associations.

  • Psychiatric medications — some antidepressants are linked with increased hair shedding.
  • Heart and blood-thinning medications — medicines, such as Warfarin and Heparin, may trigger diffuse telogen effluvium.
  • Blood pressure medications — beta-blockers are well-known to cause hair thinning in some individuals.
  • Kidney-protective medications — ACE inhibitors such as enalapril, captopril or lisinopril may contribute to shedding.
  • Hormonal treatments — both male and female hormone supplementation may accelerate pattern hair loss in predisposed individuals.
  • Vitamin A derivatives — Isotretinoin for acne can disrupt hair cycling and increase shedding.
  • Anticonvulsants — older medications like valproic acid may cause progressive thinning.
  • Immunosuppressants — long-term use after organ transplant may cause chronic hair shedding.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Medical Conditions to Disclose Before Treatment

Patients should inform their doctor if they have:

  • Thyroid disorders
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Major illnesses in the past 12 months
  • Recent childbirth
  • Rapid, sudden or unexplained hair loss
  • Eating disorders or severe caloric restriction
  • Long-term or high-dose medication use

This information ensures diagnostic accuracy and prevents unnecessary or unsuitable treatments.

What to Expect During Your Medical History and Medication Review

Your doctor will guide you through a structured review that includes:

  • Comprehensive questionnaire — this covers your current medical conditions, symptoms, recent illnesses, lifestyle and family history.
  • Medication review — your doctor will evaluate all prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements and recent treatments.
  • Scalp and hair assessment — certain medical conditions create characteristic patterns of hair loss, which your doctor will recognise during examination.
  • Recommendations for investigations — blood tests may be requested to evaluate hormone levels, thyroid function, iron stores, inflammation markers or autoimmune activity.
  • Treatment alignment — if a medical condition or medication is the primary cause, managing that condition becomes the first step in hair restoration.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

FAQs

Several medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, isotretinoin and blood-thinning drugs, may trigger shedding. Your doctor will assess your medication list to identify possible contributors.

Do not stop any prescribed medication on your own. Instead, discuss your concerns during the consultation so your doctor can evaluate safely and recommend appropriate adjustments.

Yes. Your doctor will identify the underlying issue and work with you or your primary physician to stabilise the condition. Hair loss treatments may be added after the root cause is addressed.

Total baldness from medication alone is very rare. Most cases cause temporary shedding and hair typically regrows once the medication is adjusted or discontinued under medical supervision.