Hi there
I'm 37 and have been dealing with thinning hair for around 15 years now, so I'm a bit of a pro!
First of all, head to your GP and discuss it - they will probably send you for a thyroid test to rule this out.
Assuming it's not your thyroid, then you need to see a specialist trichologist. GPs aren't really very up to speed on female hair loss, in my experience.
I go to the Philip Kingsley clinic in London, and they've been treating me since my early twenties. I have female pattern hair loss, which is down to bad luck basically. However there are things you can do to maximise your hair growth, prevent further hair loss, and improve the appearance of the hair that you do have.
I have regular blood tests to monitor my iron levels, testosterone levels, ferretin, zinc and some other things. It can get a bit expensive to monitor all of this privately, so I get my trichologist to write me a list of what needs to be tested and I give this to my GP. He's sympathetic to my situation so arranges for my blood tests to be done on the NHS. I then send the results to my trichologist.
I take iron and zinc supplements every now and then, to keep my levels at the optimum amount for better hair growth. My trichologist advises when to do this.
I also use Minoxidil scalp drops, which are produced by the Philip Kingsley clinic. I apply these every night and they are the most important factor in preventing further hair loss. They cost around £60 a month. I also use a zinc scalp cream every week or so, which also boosts hair growth. There are many other treatments you can get at Philip Kingsley, but it starts to get very expensive very quickly and I had to draw the line and just go for the essentials!
In terms of improving my hair's appearance, I have blonde highlights added to my light brown hair, which help to disguise the thinning. I also use Nanogen thickening hair fibres - which boost my confidence no end. I use the light brown ones mainly, as they match my roots, and light blonde ones as well to match my highlights. They are amazing - I was hugely sceptical before trying them but they are just fabulous at stopping my shiny scalp from showing through!
My Nanogen tips: buy the bottle with the spray applicator if you can, as this gives more even coverage. Buy the fibre fixing spray as well - it doesn't smell very nice, but it really works and is better than hairspray. And practise - don't give up if you don't get the application right first time. I also run a cotton wool pad over my face after I apply them, to make sure I clean up any stray fibres - it can get a bit messy! But I find the cost and slight hassle of using hair fibres is worth it for the confidence boost they give me.
I would also recommend that anyone suffering from hair loss looks at the blog 'Corner of Hope & Mane' - it's great to hear from someone who talks openly and with humour about hair loss.
It sucks to lose your hair - but there are some good products out there to make it more bearable.