Hair loss is a common concern for many men, but women may be shocked to see scalp appearing on their part. If your shower drain is full or you find hair on your pillow in the morning, it’s time to see your doctor.

Genetics

Women can suffer from genetic hair loss, though it is much rarer than male pattern baldness. Female genetic hair loss tends to come on or become more obvious during menopause. An increase in the production of androgens also causes hair follicles on the scalp to shrink.

If you notice thinning at the part, receding at the temples, or patches of baldness, it’s time to get your hormone levels checked. Your thyroid gland could also be the source of your hair loss. Even if you’re not a candidate for female hormone replacement, you can treat your hair loss at the scalp. As a general rule, genetic hair loss is permanent; act quickly to protect your remaining follicles.

Medications

There are many medications that can cause your hair to fall out temporarily. If you’re on medications for any of the following conditions, you may notice hair loss:

• acne
• high cholesterol
• blood pressure
• weight loss

If you are noticing hair loss on these medications, discuss your concerns with your doctor. You may also want to change up your diet; if allowed, boost your intake of fatty fish, eggs, and beans. Berries and greens are also a wonderful way to support your scalp and maintain healthy hair growth.

Stress

Constant stress can cause slow hair loss over your lifetime. Because this hair loss can be quite slow, you may not even realize what stress and emotional pressure are doing to your body until you suddenly realize how thin your hair has gotten. Consider a shortcut that will reduce tugging on your scalp so your hair can fill in again.

You can also suffer sudden hair loss after a time of severe stress or a terrible shock. As a general rule, stress-related hair loss can come back over time. To reduce your concerns about your appearance, check out options such as luxury wigs online that you can get styled to suit you while you wait for your hair to fill in.

Poor Diet

Radical weight loss attempts can cause hair loss. Like stress-related hair loss and many medication-related hair loss events, your hair will likely come back once your diet improves. You can also use gentle massage to stimulate your scalp.

Menopause makes weight loss particularly difficult. Give yourself time and consider using a low-sugar, high-veggie diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. Exercise is critical to maintaining a healthy weight as you age.

Make sure you are also getting quality rest; as we age, there are many stressors that can limit our rest. A healthy diet, a logical exercise program, and ideal sleep hygiene are critical to maintaining your physical health as you work through and emerge from menopause.

Inappropriate Handling

Finally, carefully consider the textural changes your hair undergoes as you age. Even if you color your hair, grey hair is coarser and more prone to breakage than your original color. You can protect this new hair growth by using a detangling comb to start, both in the morning and after you wash your hair. Try to let your hair dry naturally.

Other options include brushing your hair at night with a natural bristle brush to disperse scalp oil down the strand. If your hair is long, braid it before bed. Get a silk or satin pillowcase to lower the risk of tugging while you sleep. Finally, consider cutting back on the frequency of your shampoos; natural oil brushed down the hair strand, can be better for your hair health than an applied conditioner.

As a general rule, both men and women will notice some hair loss as they age. Because hair texture changes over time, the way you handle your hair will also need to change. Change habits that tug on your scalp; if you generally wear a ponytail, consider adding barrettes to support the hair as it pulls back from your scalp to reduce hair loss at the forehead.