Low iron and thyroid issues often cause hair loss in women over 60.

My hair is shedding, and I am in my 60s. What steps can I take to halt this?

Dr Ellie Cannon responds that several conditions can cause hair loss in women, with blood testing serving as the primary diagnostic step.

One frequent culprit is low ferritin, the protein responsible for storing iron. This deficiency is often correctable through iron supplementation.

Thyroid health must also be evaluated. An underactive thyroid can induce hair loss, a condition managed with levothyroxine medication.

Hair thinning at this stage of life is frequently connected to declining oestrogen levels, making some degree of loss common after menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can offer relief.

However, discontinuing HRT may trigger hair loss as hormone levels drop. Fortunately, for most women, this reaction is temporary, and new growth typically resumes within a few months.

Another emerging factor is significant weight loss, whether from crash diets, fasting, or weight-loss injections.

If no specific medical issue is identified, a broad-spectrum supplement designed for women's hair is a sensible initial approach. These products usually contain B vitamins, iron, and zinc and are available at local pharmacies.

An antifungal shampoo from a pharmacist is also worth considering, as fungal scalp infections are a treatable, though sometimes overlooked, cause of hair loss.

I have lived with Bell's palsy for four years, and my sense of taste has continued to fade. At my age, eating is one of my few remaining pleasures. Can anything help?

Dr Ellie Cannon notes that practical strategies exist to restore some enjoyment of food despite nerve damage.

Bell's palsy involves inflammation or injury to a facial nerve, resulting in muscle weakness and drooping. This damage also impacts the mouth, altering or reducing taste and sometimes causing dryness.

While steroid tablets provide short-term relief, nerve damage to taste does not always fully heal on its own.

The most effective next step is a referral to a dietetics service. Dietitians can suggest ways to enhance food appeal by combining strong flavors. Ingredients like sharp cheeses, spices, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and citrus can make a significant difference.

Much of the available advice for taste disorders was developed for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, which can similarly damage taste buds. Cookbooks created for cancer survivors often provide useful guidance for those with nerve damage as well.

Research suggests that hot meals tend to taste more flavorful than cold ones.

Two NHS taste clinics in the UK—one in Birmingham and another in East Anglia—specialize in diagnosing the extent of taste loss and offering tailored advice, though they may not completely reverse long-standing nerve damage.

A GP can determine if a referral is appropriate for your situation.

I fractured a toe, and it has curled into a position that makes wearing shoes painful. What should I do?

Dr Ellie Cannon advises seeing an orthopaedic surgeon immediately.

A misshapen toe requires professional attention, as this condition is known as hammer toe. It occurs when one or more toes become fixed in a bent position, often following repeated injury.

Hammer toes curl upward and refuse to lie flat. This misalignment creates severe pain and pressure inside shoes.

Repetitive injury often locks toes into a bent position. Doctors call this condition hammer toe.

Surgeons correct the deformity by removing a small bone segment. They may insert a pin or implant to secure the toe.

Patients risk reduced sensation after surgery. Numb toes can impair balance and increase fall risk.

Non-surgical options deserve a strong try before operating. Specialized wide-fitting shoes significantly reduce pressure on the foot.

Podiatrists supply padded insoles and toe splints. These devices realign the toe and ease discomfort without cutting.