Hair loss in women can be particularly devastating. For years, our society has idealized long, full, thick hair. Those women suffering through hair loss have often hidden their condition under hats and wigs, and experience great discomfort when their problem is revealed to others. Even when the problem is not revealed, in the workplace there is often a feeling that others are aware of it and whispering their sympathy or comments to others. It’s hard to imagine how this feels until it happens to you.

Treatments vary widely, dependent upon age, cause and general body condition.The first step is to see a physician. Hair loss can be an early sign of some diseases, like Diabetes, and these need to be ruled out. As well, if your scalp is itchy and scaly, it is possible that a bacterial or fungal infection is at work. Fortunately, these can easily be resolved. Women who experience hair loss during or immediately following pregnancy or after surgery should not be alarmed. Chances are, these are temporary conditions and will right themselves. Poor diet and lack of exercise can be culprits as well. The important thing is to rule out any of the simpler, temporary causes and set your mind at ease.

For others, hair loss is considered a permanent condition. Whether a result of heredity or hormones, it is there to stay unless treatments can be successful. There are separate treatments for the reduction in the rate of hair loss and for the potential regrowth of hair that is already gone. For reduction in rate only, the following suggestions are widely made:

1. Stop using harsh shampoos - those with surfactants(lathering ingredients) are tough on hair and can cause early demise of hair strands.

2. Stop using dry heat methods of drying and styling. Get a hair style that does not require so much blow-drying or, worse, curling irons.

3. Stop coloring and treating so much - these processes damage hair, and, as it is brushed or combed, greater loss will be the result.

4. Eat a well balanced diet. A diet rich in proteins and essential oils will help promote a healthy head of hair.

5. Get more exercise. Exercise leads to increased circulation. Increased circulation in turn leads to better blood flow in the scalp, among other areas. This assures that hair follicles get the nutrients they need to promote new hair growth.

6. Try to reduce your reactions to stress and anxiety. If you have normal stressors that are typical in your day, find time to relax and get peaceful. Yoga and other forms of meditation can help to reduce your stress and anxiety.

7. Natural remedies can help. Oils and herbs applied to the scalp can enrich and stimulate hair follicles, helping you to retain the hair that you have.

For reduction in rate and the potential of regrowth, there are a variety of medical options. These are advertised through all media, and most include research results which show the levels of effectiveness. Some contain both man-made chemicals and natural ingredients, some one or the other. Solid investigation and some experimentation are warranted, so that you find the one that works best for you. This can be a lengthy process, because you may have to wait 3-6 months to determine effectiveness. Female equivalents of medicines such as Rogaine, Provillus, and Propecia are available - and be certain you use the ones for women only.

Beyond the solutions mentioned above, hair extensions or wigs can help disguise hair loss and ease the burden of stigma associated with it. A final option is hair transplant surgery, but this can be most expensive and very time-consuming. Before you resort to something as drastic as surgery you owe it to yourself to investigate the over-the-counter hair loss treatments available today. Stay informed about the progress of research in this area, experiment with the products available, and when you find one that works for you - stick with it!