Q: How do I know if I’m experiencing hair loss?
Marla Ahlgrimm: For many women, it is gradual at first. Sometime around their 50th birthday, they may notice a few longer strands of hair on the shower floor. Hairbrushes may seem to get full quicker. Others may experience a more rapid thinning, and a visible near-bald spot at the crown of the head may appear virtually overnight.
Q: Why do women experience hair loss?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Many experts believe that waning estrogen is to blame because it has an active and protective role in hair growth. Acute stress can also trigger hair loss as can crash dieting, which many women may experience after gaining weight during the early stages of menopause. Genetics also plays a part, and a woman whose mother or grandmother had thinning hair in their senior years will likely experience the same.
Q: Is it possible to stop female hair loss?
Marla Ahlgrimm: It is not always possible, although there are things that women can do. Women may notice a cosmetic improvement by avoiding heat-reducing tools, such as a hairdryer or straightening iron. Thickening shampoos and eating a diet that contributes to a healthy body can also help. Protecting the scalp from sunlight is another important step. Sometimes, topical or laser hair solutions may be necessary to reduce or stop hair loss.
Q: When should I see a doctor?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Anytime you are uncomfortable with the amount of hair that you are losing, it’s time to pay a visit to your physician. Further, if you have a wound, acne, or pain/itching on the scalp, you may wish to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
