Women with thinning hair usually put it down to the way they've treated their hair, hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause, being under stress or eating a poor diet. But in fact sustained hair loss in women usually runs in the family.

Throughout history hair has been associated with social and sexual attractiveness. A woman's hair is often a focal point of her appearance, so losing it can strike a blow to the heart of her self image.

Women who are losing their hair usually go through similar reactions: firstly denial that it is happening, followed by panic at the negative connotations of thin hair (old, unwomanly, unsexy) and anger at being cursed with what seems like an affliction. Some women feel very depressed, lose a lot of self-esteem and avoid occasions that will expose their hair loss.

But it need not get you down. You could accept hair loss as part of the real you. Alternatively, you could look into the various ways of dealing with it.

Fortunately, women are more willing than men to admit their concerns, and will discuss them with their friends, doctor or hairdresser. They also tend to show a greater interest in finding out ways to combat it.