Brendan O'Connor Handling hair loss with Prof. Caitriona Ryan
Jan 17, 2026
In this insightful discussion, Professor Caitriona Ryan, a consultant dermatologist with expertise in hair disorders, delves into the stigma surrounding hair loss, especially among young men and women. She highlights the emotional toll of female pattern hair loss, particularly during perimenopause. Caitriona explains common causes, including stress-related shedding, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention for effective treatments. She also advises against unproven remedies and outlines reliable medical treatments, including topical minoxidil and hair transplants.
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Hair Loss Carries Strong Social Stigma
- Hair loss remains a strong stigma shaped by image-focused culture and expectations.
- Younger people, especially men, feel this pressure earlier than before.
Female Hair Loss Is Common Yet Overlooked
- Female hair loss is common but under-recognized because baldness is associated with men.
- About half of women experience female pattern hair loss by age 70, often accelerating around perimenopause.
Alopecia Can Trigger Misperceptions About Health
- Patients with alopecia areata often lose eyebrows and eyelashes and report others assuming they have cancer.
- Men especially say people think they're on chemo when they lose all body hair.