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Hair Loss in Women

Mistakenly thought to be a strictly male disease, women make up a significant percentage of American hair loss sufferers. Forty percent of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss in women can be absolutely devastating for self image and emotional well-being.

Unfortunately, society has forced women to suffer in silence. It is considered far more acceptable for men to go through the same hair loss process. Even more unfortunately, the medical community pays little attention to the issue of women's hair loss. Since hair loss doesn't appear to be life threatening, physicians often overlook women's complaints about hair loss and essentially tell their patients that "it's no big deal," and that "you'll just have to live with it."

Of course what these physicians don't seem to realize is that the psychological damage caused by hair loss and feeling unattractive can be just as devastating as any serious disease, and in fact, can take an emotional toll that directly affects physical health.

The American Hair Loss Association recognizes that hair loss in women is a serious life-altering condition that can no longer be ignored.

For more information, see:

Hair Loss in Women: Causes

Hair Loss in Women: Oral Contraceptives

Hair Loss in Women: Diagnosis

Hair Loss in Women: Treatments

WebMD Medical Reference from the American Hair Loss Association

Reviewed by Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on August 09, 2008
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