Losing our pride and glory: how to bridge the hair gap

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014
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A middle-part hairstyle complements my facial shape, but my hair has been getting thinner and thinner, and the parting seems to keep getting wider. I'm really worried. What can I do?

First of all, it is important to realise that stress can lead to further hair loss, so please try not to worry about your hair. The good news is hair loss can be easily treated these days.
Female pattern hair loss can begin anywhere between the ages of 12 and 40, usually with the frontal and parietal scalp showing the greatest thinning. This is why your middle parting seems to have widened.
Hair loss also comes with age. As we get older, even if we do not have balding inheritance, our hair will become thinner. It usually happens after 60 years old.
In women, a widening at the centre part of the hair is considered the first stage of hair loss. Stage 2 is when the widening grows and you lose hair at the sides and the front of your scalp, amounting to about 50-per-cent hair loss. Further hair loss is stage 3, and once you reach the point of almost complete baldness, you are in stage 4, which is not very common in women.
Other factors also contribute to the health of your hair and scalp, such as stress, diet, sleep, and your overall health. Food that makes your hair and scalp healthier includes those rich in protein, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. While it’s only a myth that MSG causes hair loss, it’s not a healthy ingredient and should be avoided.
For hormone-related hair loss, extensive hormonal testing is usually not required, as long as there are no other symptoms and signs of androgen hormone excess. The medicine available for promoting hair growth in women is topical minoxidil solution. However, you should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice before using it, as there can be side effects such as irritation of the scalp.
Hair loss can easily be treated when the condition is not severe. A visit to a specialist can help you understand the cause and find the right solutions. There are many treatment options, from topical cream and oral medication to laser treatment. In extreme cases, a hair transplant might be recommended.
In case the cause is hormonal imbalance, hormone medication might be prescribed, such as Spironolactone, or Cyproterone acetate, which is an anti-androgen therapy. These medications must be prescribed by skilled doctors only. Incorrect use can affect your health.
From your description, you are possibly in an early stage of hair loss, which is easily treatable. Low level laser can help treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Low level laser therapy is believed to increase blood flow in the scalp and stimulate metabolism in hair follicles, resulting in the production of hair.
Hair loss treatment options today are generally safe and effective when practised by an experienced doctor. The earlier you start the treatment, the higher the success rate. Do not worry about it, as it only makes the problem worse. Like they say, worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere. Seeking professional help does you more good than worrying.