Dr Deborah McManners answers some common hair loss questions from her surgery

Will my doctor think I’m vain if I make an appointment to see him or her about my hair loss?
Not at all. Doctors have a duty of care to both our emotional and physical health and hair loss can often be a symptom of both.

Sometimes hair loss can be a side-effect of medication you are taking and it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. You may be sent for a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies and other potential causes such as under-active thyroid.

My family has a history of hair loss. Will that make me more likely to suffer from it too?
Hair loss can be hereditary so your chances may well be increased if you have family members who have a tendancy to thinning hair. This makes taking care of your hair all the more important both in terms of managing it and taking care of your health.
 
Why does chemotherapy make your hair fall out?
The drugs used to fight off cancer can shut down the hair follicle making the hair fall out. People undergoing treatment for cancer also tend to be weakened physically which means their hair often suffers too. Hair usually takes about six months to grow again after treatment has finished.
 
Why does stress affect hair loss?
When we are stressed, we often eat badly which prevents our bodies from getting the vital minerals and vitamins it needs. Some people find themselves twisting or tugging their hair when they are under pressure which can cause breakages and weaken hairs in vulnerable areas. It is also worth remembering that it is common for emotional feelings to come out in a physical way even though doctors are not always sure why.
 
How common is it for prescribed medicines to cause hair to thin as a side effect?
Drugs which treat a variety of conditions including diabetes, epilepsy, angina, and an over-active thyroid have been known to cause hair to thin as a side effect. As with any medication it is important to discuss potential side effects with your GP when taking a new drug. No prescription drug should be suddenly stopped or reduced without consultation with the prescribing doctor.