30 million women are experiencing hair loss right now.

Androgenetic Alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss, affects up to half of all women before they are 50 years old. Androgenetic Alopecia is commonly called male pattern baldness but affects women just the same. For women, this hair loss pattern differs from the typical male because the hair does not recede from the hairline, but instead gets thinner all over. Fortunately, most women hardly ever lose all of their hair completely due to androgenetic alopecia, unlike some men, who can lose all or the majority of theirs.

So what brings about androgenetic alopecia? Well, there are a variety of causes for hair loss in women. One common assumption is that hormones in women's bodies are the cause of this form of hair loss. This is because women that experience androgenetic alopecia often have a hormonal imbalance, which causes symptoms other than just hair loss. These symptoms include acne, excessive body hair or weight gain. Hormones such as testosterone, androgens and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) play a large role in androgenetic alopecia. Researchers also believe genetics play a role in androgenetic alopecia. If you have a family history of androgenetic alopecia on your mother's or father's side, it increases your risk of balding. When looking at family members who experience androgenetic alopecia, factor in their age and how much hair they've lost. This can be an indicator of what you may deal with in the future. Another factor that can play into hair loss is your lifestyle. Researchers tell us that environmental factors and lifestyle can contribute to hair loss in both women and men. Poor nourishment, disease, sickness, recent surgery or traumas can all lead to temporary and/or permanent hair loss.

Are you worried that you may have androgenetic alopecia? Symptoms of androgenetic alopecia can show up anywhere between the ages of 12 and 40. Watch for signs such as fine or thin hair, more hair than usual on your hairbrush or pillow, and the part in your hair shows more scalp than it has in the past. If you have a history of androgenetic alopecia on either side of your family or you begin to notice a change in the thickness or texture of your hair, you may want to see a doctor or dermatologist about androgenetic alopecia. Your doctor will review your family history, perform a physical examination and even order laboratory work.

Although androgenetic alopecia affects many women, some may be unnecessarily concerned about current or future hair loss. Temporary hair loss is another situation altogether and can be attributed to a variety of factors such as recent childbirth, excessive chemical alteration of hair (hair coloring, permanents, etc.) or frequent hair washing. While these may be the source of your current hair loss, none of the above cause or contribute to androgenetic alopecia. Normal hair care will not affect continual and/or permanent hair loss.

If you do have the symptoms that correlate with androgenetic alopecia or are diagnosed with the condition, don't worry. There are plenty of ways to fight hair loss in women. Treatment options include topical therapies like Rogaine For Women, 2% Minoxidil, 3- 60 mL bottles and Osmotics FNS Follicle Nutrient Serum - Step 3 hormone treatments, hair transplants, hair pieces and wigs.

Minoxidil, or Rogaine For Women, 2% Minoxidil, 3- 60 mL bottles, is the most widely recommended treatment for androgenetic alopecia in the United States. Rogaine For Women, 2% Minoxidil, 3- 60 mL bottles is proven to regrow hair in as little as three months. If you are looking for instant gratification and longevity, this is a good choice. Rogaine For Women, 2% Minoxidil, 3- 60 mL bottles is also easy to use for the average Jane; simply apply the product over the affected area once or twice daily. That's it.

Although hormone replacement therapy is another option, side effects can include headaches and decreased libido. Hormone therapy, with Dianette for example, blocks male hormones present in the female body that cause or encourage androgenetic alopecia. This treatment often takes up to a year just to halt hair loss. Other hormone treatment options include Estrogen, which is widely used for many disorders in women.

Osmotics FNS Follicle Nutrient Serum - Step 3 is a treatment option that is also easy to use and fights the signs of hair loss. This serum utilizes amino acids and minerals to halt hair thinning and encourage hair growth. Because Osmotics FNS Follicle Nutrient Serum - Step 3 is a safe, natural and non-hormonal treatment, it is a great alternative for anyone who wants to avoid chemically-based therapy.

Other, less aggressive treatments include specialized hair products. The Tricomin brand offers a triple pack of Tricomin Revitalizing Shampoo, Tricomin Restructuring Conditioner and the Tricomin Follicle Therapy Spray to cover all your hair loss and hair care needs. Tricomin Follicle Therapy Spray is a leave-in conditioner spray that makes use of natural ingredients, much like the Osmotics FNS Follicle Nutrient Serum - Step 3. If you are in the early stages of hair loss or suffering minimal hair loss, try DS Laboratories Revita High Performance Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo. This hair growth stimulating cleanser works with any other hair products you may be using, making it a versatile treatment option against androgenetic alopecia.

Although Minoxidil, Rogaine for Women's essential ingredient, has been approved by the FDA for proven treatment of hair loss, some women avoid Minoxidil because of an allergic reaction, pregnancy or other factors. For these women, DS Laboratories has created a product that contains no Minoxidil. DS Laboratories Spectral.RS - Treatment for Thinning Hair makes use of nanotechnology to improve circulation, nutrition and follicle metabolism.

Your doctor or dermatologist can help you develop a targeted and personalized therapy option. But in the meantime, why not camouflage any hair loss that you have already experienced? You can do this in a variety of ways including a new hairstyle, hair extensions, hair pieces or a wig. One simple solution is a new haircut. Ask your stylist about a short, blunt cut that gives the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. If you want to keep your long hair consider hair extensions. Look for non-damaging extensions to avoid additional hair loss.

As for women with more severe loss and obvious bald or thin spots, a wig or hair piece presents a great way to camouflage the signs of androgenetic alopecia. Find a quality, human-hair wig shop near you and try on a variety of styles to find the perfect one. You can choose a wig or hair piece that matches your current style, or switch it up and get something completely different.

Luckily with most treatment options, you will not have to wear the wig for too long. With Rogaine For Women, 2% Minoxidil, 3- 60 mL bottles, for example, you may see an improvement in your hair growth in as little as a few months. Remember, if you have symptoms of female pattern hair loss or are diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, you have optionsand you're not alone. Thanks to the many different treatments available it is now easier than ever to find the hair loss therapy that's right for you.

Kristle Jones
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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