Your hair may begin to fall out as you age. While most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day naturally, there may come a time when you notice definite thinning. Baldness and hair loss is much more common in Western civilizations, and diet and lifestyle have long been suspected of being the cause but genetics and medical condition are also considered.
A similar percentage of men and women lose hair, but in women the loss is from all over their head and with men, it’s more likely to be concentrated in one area, and may proceed over their entire head eventually. In addition to genetics, the loss of male hormones, which women have as well, is thought to be a cause. Until menopause, the estrogen women have helps to decrease the effects of baldness. Younger women often experience hair loss about six months after pregnancy but it’s common for their hair to return to normal eventually. Both men and women undergoing cancer treatments may lose their hair but it grows back during their recovery.
If you dread looking into the mirror because you are beginning to experience baldness or thinning hair, there is much you can do to prevent or at least slow the loss. Make sure you are eating well, and consuming minimum requirements of vitamins every day. Maintain your weight in a common-sense manner, as many women have noticed hair loss when going on a crash diet. Today some countries have approved the drugs Rogaine, used in men and women, and Propecia usually only for men but sometimes used in postmenopausal women.
You should consult a dermatologist as soon as you notice you are losing hair if it is causing you concern. Hair transplants are an option that can be considered and discussion with your health professional is necessary before proceeding. You should know that different people respond to treatments with varying degrees of success and what works for a friend or acquaintance may not work for you.
In most cases, the sooner you start treatment, the better the results. If you are prescribed medications, you should realize that you may be taking them for the rest of your life because cessation would cause the hair loss to resume. Women can get their hair stylist’s help to create a coiffure that minimizes the problem, which often is most prominent at the temples or hairline. Attractive, natural-looking wigs and hairpieces are also commercially available. Stylish hats and other head coverings can camouflage the problem when out in public. Whatever you choose, make sure you are comfortable with your decision, or accept the diagnosis if nothing can be done, and then get out and enjoy life. It’s not the end of the world!
