Hair loss in women older than 50 can occur due to genetics, the aging process or even an underlying medical condition. Depending on its cause, it can be a permanent or temporary condition. In order to properly treat and cope with hair loss, it is important to understand what conditions can cause it to occur.
Symptoms
MayoClinic.com notes that hair loss in women typically begins with thinning hair in the frontal, sides and crown areas of the scalp. When it's the result of a disease such as alopecia areata, hair is lost in patches that are small and round in appearance. Besides the scalp, hair loss can also occur anywhere on the body, including the eyelashes, eyebrows, arms and legs. In addition to loss of hair, other symptoms may include itching, inflammation or soreness.
Causes
Women older than 50 may experience hair loss as the result of menopause. During menopause, hormones widely fluctuate, which can encourage hair loss and hair thinning. Sometimes loss of hair during menopause is only temporary, with hair regrowing approximately three months after the hormonal imbalance is corrected. However, when it is the result of female-pattern baldness, hair grows in thinner and superficially rooted to the scalp, making it easy for strands to fall out permanently.
Treatment Options
The FamilyDoctor website explains that certain medications, such as estrogen replacement, can stabilize hormones. This can help control hormone triggered hair loss. Other medications, such as minoxidil, can be applied directly to the scalp. They can help discourage hair shedding and even encourage new hair growth. If traditional treatment options do not prove effective, wigs, weaves and hair pieces can help conceal bald spots and thinning hair.
Coping
Because hair loss can be embarrassing and devastating to a woman, it is important for her to understand how to cope with it. A woman should visit a doctor to determine the exact cause of her baldness and to find out what treatment options are available. In addition, there are a variety of support groups that can bring together women who are experiencing hair loss. These groups can not only educate and comfort, but also provide a place for women to express concerns and offer reassurance.
Warnings
The FamilyDoctor website warns that hair loss can be the sign of an underlying medical condition. The diseases diabetes and lupus can both show loss of hair as an early symptom. In addition, scalp infections such as ringworm can encourage loss of hair. A doctor can prescribe an oral or topical antifungal medicine to help treat an infection. Once effectively treated, hair will typically grow back.
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