While we may be heading towards the end of winter, we’re still very much in the u season – which usually peaks around August and continues into September. To help stay protected, get a u shot, wash your hands often, and wear a mask if it’s hard to avoid other people’s coughs and sneezes. While we often think of hair loss as being a male problem, it’s also common for women. Research shows that 80 per cent of women will have some degree of hair loss by the age of 60.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

‘Women can lose their hair for a variety of reasons, which is why it’s important to understand the root cause of the problem before you treat it,’ hair restoration surgeon Dr Russell Knudsen says.

Hormone imbalances, thyroid disorders, skin conditions, certain medications, stress and crash dieting can all lead to temporary shedding.

But having a family history of female or male pattern hair loss increases your risk of permanent thinning.

‘Being deficient in minerals such as iron and zinc, as well as vitamins B, D and H, can also affect hair health,’ Russell says.

There’s also an autoimmune condition, alopecia areata, that causes permanent scarring of the scalp, which destroys the hair follicles.

HOW CAN I TREAT IT?

If you are concerned about hair loss, your GP should be your first port of call.

A hair sample or scalp biopsy may be taken to diagnose skin disorders and specific conditions, such as having an overactive or underactive thyroid.

If the diagnosis is still unclear, your doctor may refer you to see a specialist for further testing.

Potential treatments include changes to your diet, certain over-thecounter lotions and shampoos, and prescription medications that block the hormones responsible for hair loss.

There are also nonsurgical procedures such as platelet-rich plasma therapy and, in some cases, hair transplant surgery.

‘Talk to someone who treats hair loss for a living, such as a dermatologist or hair-restoration surgeon, to get a thorough assessment,’ Russell says.