Most men and women have hair loss as they get older. Most men have some degree of baldness by age 60. After age 60, 50% of women do.
Symptoms
Thinning of hair on the temples and crown
Receding
hair line
Bald spot on back of head
Areas
of patchy hair loss
Causes
Normal aging
Family traits
A side effect of some medicines, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
Crash dieting
Hormonal changes, such as with menopause
A prolonged or serious illness or major surgery. You may not notice the hair loss for
several months.
Medical conditions, such as lupus and thyroid problems
Areata. This causes areas of patchy hair
loss. It improves rapidly when treated, but can go away within 18 months without
treatment.
Treatment
Medications. These include over-the-counter Rogaine,
prescription-strength Rogaine, Propecia (prescribed for men only), and a topical steroid
for areata.
Surgical hair transplant operations
If a medical condition causes the hair loss, treating the condition may restore lost hair.
With
hair that tends to fall out, do you have signs of low thyroid? |
 |
Has the hair loss occurred suddenly and in patches on the head? Is
the scalp affected in any way, such as with red or gray-green scales?  |
|
| Are there signs of infection (e.g., redness, tenderness, swelling
and/or pain) at the site of hair loss? |
|
| Does the hair loss occur from uncontrollably pulling out patches
of hair? |
 |
| Have you begun losing your hair only after taking prescribed
medicine for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, ulcers or arthritis? |
|
| Do you want to find out about hair implants or medication to treat
hair loss? |
|
To protect your hair from damage and loss:
Avoid damaging hair care practices
or use them infrequently. These include braiding, cornrowing, bleaching, dyeing, perming,
straightening; hot curling irons and rollers, and hair dryers, especially on a high
setting.
Use gentle shampoos and conditioners.
Let your hair dry by patting it with a
towel or by air drying.
If you hair is damaged, cut it short or
change your hairstyle to one that requires less damaging hair care practices.
Take measures (e.g., yoga and other
relaxation techniques) to reduce anxiety if this results in pulling out patches of hair.
Don't be taken in by fraudulent claims for
vitamin formulas, massage oils, lotions or ointments that promise to cure baldness. No
potion or ointment exists that will produce a full head of hair.
Talk to your doctor about medications, such
as Rogaine and Propecia.
Ask your doctor for a substitution
medication if you are taking one that has caused hair loss. (This is not done, though, for
certain medications such as anticancer drugs.)
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/28/01
Unexplained
fatigue and weight gain