Question: I’m a 75-year-old woman and up until now I’ve always been proud of my full hair. In the last few months, though, it has been falling out and looks noticeably thinner. Could this be a medical problem? Is there anything I can do to stop it?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
It is common for women to lose hair as they age. Hormone levels, which decline as menopause approaches and drop sharply during menopause and beyond, are thought to be the reason.
Minoxidil 2% is the only topical medication approved by the FDA. The 2 percent and 5 percent solutions are available over the counter in a liquid, and the 5 percent is also available in a foam.
Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of hair, providing more time for hair to grow out to its full density. Results usually take three to four months and the product must be used twice a day. If you talk to your doctor, he may suggest other prescription treatments.