Question: I'm a woman in my early 30s. My high school reunion will take place next December. I want to attend, but I'm embarrassed about all the hair I've lost. You can see my scalp! Is something wrong with me?

Answer: You aren't alone. More than a third of women experience hair loss (alopecia) during their lifetimes. In fact, studies of Caucasian women in the United States and the United Kingdom show that hair loss affects 3% to 6% of women under 30 and 29% to 42% of women 70 or older.
In some cases, female hair loss can be temporary -- triggered by certain medications, for example. But it can also be permanent. It may occur in patches or all over the scalp. Women can also lose body hair. Permanent hair loss is just that. Without treatment, hair will not regrow, and it will continue to thin.
There are two types of permanent hair loss: female-pattern hair loss and hair loss caused by scarring.
Female-pattern hair loss is the most common, and is usually caused by an increase in the level of male hormones. As with men, the likelihood of developing the condition increases with age and with a family history of hair loss.
The pattern of hair loss in women differs from that in men. The hair thins gradually at the part and overall volume decreases. Hair loss then spreads across the top of the head. In severe cases, large areas of the scalp can be affected.
The most common treatment for this type of hair loss is medication. One option is a solution of 2% minoxidil, sold as Rogaine. Available without a prescription, minoxidil produces new growth of fine hair in some women, but it will not restore the full density of the lost hair. It may, however, help women retain the hair they still have and minimize further loss.
But it can also have side effects, such as dry and irritated skin, and hair growth in the wrong places -- on the face, for example.
Minoxidil is not a quick fix, either. It typically takes two months or more to notice any difference, and it can take six months to a year to get the full effect. If it works, you must continue to use it to maintain the benefit. Stopping treatment will lead to resumed hair loss.
Hair loss caused by scarring affects about 3% to 7% of the population. It's caused by an inflammatory process that damages the hair follicles, leaving scar tissue in their place. For some people, hair loss is gradual and has no symptoms; for others, hair loss is rapid and accompanied by severe itching, burning sensations and pain. Young adults are the most commonly affected.
Currently, no cure exists for scarring hair loss. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and stopping the loss of more hair. Drugs may be prescribed, including topical anti-inflammatory medications and topical steroids.
Talk to your doctor about your options soon. With his or her help, you could have a better head of hair by the time your reunion rolls around next year.
(Source: freep.com)