The female body endures many changes brought on by age. Fluctuations in hormone levels and the advent of menopause bring about significant changes in the body. Not only is the body affected by these changes, the hair is affected as well. Hair can become dry, brittle and lackluster. Hair growth slows, and more than half of all women experience hair loss because of the disruptions caused by the aging process.
Prevalence
Less than half of all women retain the thickness of their hair throughout life, according to a study conducted by St. Vincent’s Hospital’s Department of Dermatology. The study, published in a 2007 issue of “Clinical Interventions in Aging,” reported that women were more likely to experience hair loss as they get older. Approximately 12 percent of women in their twenties suffer from hair loss compared with 50 percent of women in their eighties. Between the ages of 29 and 49, the instance of hair loss jumps from 12 percent to 25 percent. Forty-one percent of women in their late forties and early fifties have hair loss symptoms.
Symptoms
Hair-loss symptoms in women range from small, circular bald patches to diffused thinning on top of the head. Permanent hair loss is identified by thinning on the top of the head and in the crown, according to MayoClinic.com. The symptoms of temporary hair loss include bald patches, overall thinning, thin spots, breakage and scalp inflammation and infection.
Causes
The exact cause of genetic, or permanent, female hair loss is not known. However, changes in male hormone levels, or androgens, play a significant role. Changes in hormonal levels are most pronounced after menopause, which accounts for the increase of hair-loss cases in post-menopausal women. Temporary hair loss may be caused by scalp infection, illness, autoimmune disease, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficit, extreme emotional or physical shock and cosmetic procedures.
Treatment
Temporary hair loss is treated by confronting the underlying condition causing the hair loss. Permanent hair loss is treated with topical minoxidil, hormone replacement therapy, androgen blockers and hair restoration surgery.
Prevention
Genetic hair loss cannot be prevented. MayoClinic.com recommends the following for preventing other forms of hair loss: eat a balanced diet, avoid extreme hairstyles and hair services, do not pull or tug on your hair and handle your hair with care at all times.
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