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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Entertainment
Abbie Meehan

Lorraine guest shares brutal moment her hair fell out after childbirth

Dr Anisha Patel was on Lorraine this morning to discuss a very common problem that many women face, and something she has dealt with herself - hair loss.

According to the medical expert, one in four women will experience hair loss in their lifetime for a whole host of reasons - like the menopause, going on hormone replacement treatments, stress, childbirth, and even a change in diet!

Speaking on Lorraine this morning, the medical expert said: "It makes me feel really emotional hearing other peoples experiences, because I can relate to a lot of what they are saying.

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“Not only after childbirth did I lose hair, but during chemotherapy as well, I was one of the lucky ones that I was told I wasn’t going to lose all my hair, but it did indeed thin.

“I would wake up to a rug of hair on my pillow, hairballs in the shower, and it is a really demoralising thing to experience.

“Not only does the stress of something like that cause hair loss, but it’s the feeling of losing a part of your identity, worrying if it will grow back, will your hair permanently thin?

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“This is a really hard topic for women because they feel like they cant complain as its just hair, but actually its really important."

Viewers sent in live questions to the daytime programme show this morning, and one question to Dr Anisha read: "When I hit the menopause, my hair started thinning really badly.

Dr Anisha Patel is currently in remission for bowel cancer. (ITV)

"Is there anything I can do about this?"

Dr Anisha answered this question by stating many things can cause hair loss, but it would be best to visit your local doctor's surgery for more advice.

She added: "Menopause is a common reason for hair loss, it is a multi-factorial thing that can cause this, and we need to make sure there aren't any underlying causes to this.

“So , go see your GP, see if there are any vitamin deficiencies, thyroid conditions, even skin conditions!

‘Meopause reduces estrogen in your body, which is important for hair growth, and the stress of menopause can also cause hair loss.”

Dr Anisha Patel had previously opened up on Lorraine about going through treatment for bowel cancer, and even as a doctor, she wasn’t sure of the symptoms to look out for.

Speaking on the diagnosis, and her own experience, the doctor said: "Don’t think, ‘It can’t happen to me’. Think, ‘Is it me?’

"Keep a symptom diary, speak up, get yourself checked. I’ve always believed in turning negatives into positives."

Lorraine airs every weekday from 9am on ITV, and you can catch up on STV player from 10am onwards.

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