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HAIR LOSS IN WOMEN OVER 40

Posted by Manny Y on 7th Apr 2015

It is commonly believed that hair loss occurs only in men. This is why a great number of hair loss treatment solutions are made specifically for male baldness. The truth is that hair loss and hair thinning can affect both men and women. Around half of women above the age of 40 experience some amount of hair loss.

Unlike men who often develop bald spots, women have a more generalised hair thinning. Most often, this is due to a condition called androgenetic alopecia, which largely points to an underlying genetic predisposition. This hereditary hair loss can begin to manifest as early as the teenage years and becomes more common as women grow older.

It has been found that pattern hair loss is associated with hormones called androgens, which are not only found in males but also in females, although in smaller amounts. The primary cause of hair loss in androgenetic alopecia is the male hormone called DHT or dihydrotestosterone. DHT results in shrinking of the hair follicles, shortening of their lifespan, and blocks normal hair production.

Hormonal imbalance is another usual cause of hair loss in women over forty. Around one third of postmenopausal women develop hair loss, usually on the top of the scalp. The hormonal levels decrease as menopause nears and drop off sharply during menopause and beyond.

Women over forty are also prone to suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Low levels of protein, iron, and B vitamins in the body can contribute to hair loss. Ensuring that there are adequate levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals will help prevent hair thinning and hair loss caused by dietary deficiencies.

Whether you are already in your forties or just approching 40, there are available hair loss treatments. There are medications that can treat hair loss like Minoxidil or Rogaine, but these should be used continuously to see noticeable growth of hair. Finasteride or Propecia is another drug based hair loss treatment but this is not recommended to be used by women. Nisim Biofactors is an herbal-based range of shampoo, conditioner, and hair stimulating extract that can control hair loss and help regrow hair without the side effects seen in drug-based hair loss treatment products.