Most men and women experience hair loss as they get older; indeed, most men have some degree of baldness by age 60. This is quite normal and affects some persons more than others, especially if baldness runs in the family.

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you experience one or more of the following:
  • Unexplained fatigue and weight gain
  • Feeling cold
  • Numbness and tingling of hands and feet
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Coarse skin and hair
  • Deepened or hoarse voice
  • Depression
  • Decreased sex drive
    		•  See doctor Go to next question
    Has the hair loss occurred suddenly and in patches on the head? Is the scalp affected in any way such as with red or gray-green scales? See doctor Go to next question
    Are there signs of infection (e.g., redness, tenderness, swelling and/or pain) at the site of hair loss? See doctor Go to next question
    Does the hair loss occur from uncontrollably pulling out patches of hair? Call doctor Go to next question
    Have you begun losing your hair only after taking prescribed medicine for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, ulcers or arthritis? Call doctor Go to next question
    Do you want to find out about hair implants or the prescription drug (Rogaine) to treat naturally occurring hair thinning or baldness? Call doctor Provide self-care
    (see below)

    Self-Care Procedures:

    To protect your hair from damage and loss:

    • Avoid damaging hair care practices or use them infrequently. These include braiding, corn rolling; bleaching, dyeing, perming, straightening; hot curling irons and rollers, hair dryers, especially on a high setting.
    • Use gentle shampoos and conditioners.
    • Let your hair dry by patting it with a towel or by air drying.
    • If you hair is damaged, cut it short or change your hairstyle to one that requires less damaging hair care practices.
    • Take measures (e.g., yoga and other relaxation techniques) to reduce anxiety if this results in pulling out patches of hair.
    • Don't be taken in by fraudulent claims for vitamin formulas, massage oils, lotions or ointments that promise to cure baldness. No existing potion or ointment will produce a full head of hair. The only remedy that comes close is the prescription drug Rogaine, originally developed as a blood pressure medication. Rogaine has shown promising results for some (but not all) cases of baldness. This applies to both men and women.
    • Ask your doctor for a substitution medication if you are taking one that has caused hair loss. (Obviously, this may not be feasible with anticancer drugs.)

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    Copyright © 1996 Don R. Powell, Ph.D. From The American Institute for Preventive Medicine's Self-Care: Your Family Guide to Symptoms and How to Treat Them, by arrangement with People«s Medical Society.

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