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Women's Health  /  Hair Health

Thinning hair has a cause. Let's find it.

Hair shedding and thinning are common in women and often linked to iron, thyroid, hormones, stress, or life changes like childbirth and menopause. We find the root cause and build a treatment plan, from medication and supplements to PRP.

Consultations covered by Alberta HealthRoot-cause bloodworkPRP available

Covered by Alberta Health

Consultations are covered with a valid Alberta Personal Health Card.

Nurse practitioner-led

NPs assess, diagnose, order tests, and prescribe, with time to talk things through.

In-person or virtual

Many follow-ups can be virtual. Exams and procedures happen in clinic.

Does this sound familiar

You're not imagining it

Hair changes are upsetting, and they're more common than most women realize.

“There's so much hair in the shower drain.”

Sudden shedding

Shedding a lot more than usual, often a few months after illness, stress, or a big life change.

“My part looks wider.”

Gradual thinning

Thinning at the top of the head or along the part, while the hairline stays in place.

“My ponytail is half the size it was.”

Less volume overall

Hair that feels finer and thinner, sometimes along with fatigue or feeling cold.

“It started after my baby was born.”

Postpartum hair loss

Very common and usually temporary, but worth checking if it lasts beyond a year.

Common causes

What's behind hair loss in women

Often more than one cause is involved, which is why testing matters.

Female pattern hair loss

The most common cause. Gradual thinning at the crown and part, influenced by genetics and hormones. Treatable, especially when started early.

Shedding after a trigger

Called telogen effluvium. Heavy shedding 2 to 3 months after childbirth, illness, surgery, stress, or rapid weight loss. Usually temporary.

Low iron

Low iron stores (ferritin) are a common, fixable cause, especially with heavy periods.

Iron deficiency care →

Thyroid and hormones

Thyroid problems, PCOS, perimenopause and menopause, and starting or stopping birth control can all affect hair growth.

Treatment options

A plan for your hair, not a guess

We start by fixing what's behind the hair loss, then add treatments to support regrowth.

First step

Treat the cause

Replacing low iron (including IV iron when needed), managing thyroid problems, and addressing hormone imbalances.

Medication

Minoxidil and other options

Minoxidil (topical, or low-dose oral by prescription) is proven to help female pattern hair loss. Tretinoin may be added to help topical minoxidil work better, and spironolactone may be used when appropriate. Some aren't safe in pregnancy, so we'll review your plans.

Targeted

Supplements & iron infusions

Helpful when you're low in something, such as iron or vitamin D. If your iron is very low or pills aren't working, an iron infusion can restore it quickly. Biotin can interfere with some blood tests, so tell us if you take it.

Iron infusions →
In clinic

PRP injections

Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood, injected into the scalp to support thinning follicles.

PRP for hair loss →
Coverage

What's covered, clearly explained

Cost shouldn't stop you from getting answers. Here's what to expect.

Covered By Alberta Health

  • Consultations and follow-up visits
  • Bloodwork such as ferritin, thyroid, and hormone levels

May have a cost Discussed up front

  • Prescription and over-the-counter treatments (some covered by private plans)
  • Supplements
  • PRP treatments, which are elective
  • IV iron, depending on product and coverage

Bring your Alberta Personal Health Card and a list of any supplements or medications you take.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How much hair loss is normal?

Losing about 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. If you're noticing much more than usual, or your hair looks thinner, it's worth checking.

Will postpartum hair loss stop?

Usually, yes. Shedding often peaks around 3 to 4 months after birth and settles within the first year. If it doesn't, we'll look for other causes like low iron or thyroid changes.

How long until I see results?

Hair grows slowly. Most treatments take 3 to 6 months to show change, and up to a year for the full effect.

Is PRP right for me?

PRP may help some women with thinning hair, often alongside other treatments. We'll talk about whether it suits your type of hair loss.

Let's get to the root of it.

The sooner we find the cause, the better your chances of regrowth. Book a consultation to get started.

Consultations covered by Alberta Health  ·  In-person visits or virtual appointments

Preceptus Health · Women's Health · Hair Health · Calgary, Alberta

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Testing and treatment recommendations are made by a licensed provider after an individual assessment. Individual results vary.