More than 20 million American women experience some kind of hair loss as they age. This problem is rarely talked about. It usually occurs after menopause, although twenty percent of these women may have started losing their hair much earlier.

Healthy hair shines and shows steady growth. Scalp hair normally grows about one-half inch a month. Your scalp usually loses 50 to 100 hairs a day. Seventy-five percent of hair loss cases are due to hereditary causes. This hair loss may be in large clumps, all over thinning, or complete baldness.

Other kinds of loss may occur for reasons such as:
* malnutrition,
* traumatic stress,
* hormone imbalances,
* autoimmune and thyroid disorders,
* post pregnancy changes, or
* chemotherapy.

Hair loss may respond to simple changes in health habits. These include eating a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs, getting enough rest, and managing stress. Healthy hair requires minerals and vitamins. Eat plenty of whole grains, beans, fish, chicken, dark leafy vegetables, and fruits.

Proper hair care can help women improve their appearance after hair loss. Keep hair short and conceal thin spots with a layered cut. Use a natural bristle brush. Avoid using chemical treatments on hair like dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, and permanent waves.

For most women, permanent hair loss and baldness are not medical problems, but rather cosmetic problems. There are four options to dealing with hair loss.
* Learn to live with the natural appearance changes.
* Use minoxidil (Rogaine). This is an over-the-counter hair treatment, not a cure. It requires on-going treatment or hair loss will continue. The cost is $60 a month.
* Have surgery for a hair transplant or scalp reduction. Learn the risks first. The cost is $1,000 to $5,000.
* Buy a high quality hairpiece for instant results.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go