**SPONSORED CONTENT BY GATEWAY MEDICAL CENTER**

Curly or straight, fine or coarse, glossy black or sheer blond — for many women, hair is the ultimate accessory, an integral part of their sense of self. So if it starts to thin, it can be a blow, both emotionally and physically.

The average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs a day. Traditionally seen as a problem among men, hair loss also impacts about one-third of women at some point in their lifetimes.

Female pattern baldness typically affects the crown of the head. It may first appear as a widening of the part in your hair, but it rarely causes total baldness.

The Root of the Problem
Also known as alopecia, hair loss can have a wide range of triggers, including medical conditions, physical trauma, hormone imbalance and stress.

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those caused by menopause, can trigger androgenetic alopecia. When worn frequently, tight hairstyles such as braids, extensions or ponytails may cause traction alopecia.

Anagen effluvium is hair loss caused by interrupting the metabolic activity of hair cells, which is what happens when chemotherapy targets cells that rapidly divide. Hair loss due to stress or a shock to the system is called telogen effluvium.

De-Stress for Your Tresses
Stress is a leading cause of hair loss among women. These tips can help you lower your stress level.

• Laugh more. Laughter boosts the immune system and lowers the body’s levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Watch a comedy or spend time with your funniest friend and laugh your way to a better head of hair.
• Nix the caffeine. It’s a stimulant, meaning it amps up your nervous system and can trigger stress-inducing fight-or-flight reactions, even if nothing’s wrong.
• Take an adult timeout. Find a quiet place, fold your arms on a table or your knees, and rest your head on them while taking deep soothing breaths. It’s alright to be busy, but it’s not OK to ignore your needs while trying to meet the demands of work or family.
• Let it go. Holding on to negative feelings is never good for you, and remaining angry causes internal stress.

Stopping the Cycle
Alopecia may be a temporary condition or a permanent problem. If you experience hair loss, it is important that you see your doctor for a full medical evaluation to rule out underlying medical conditions such as thyroid imbalance or chronic stress. A topical treatment called minoxidil may help stop hair loss and encourage regrowth.

Your doctor can suggest hair loss treatments. Don’t have a doctor? Visit TodaysGateway.com to find a family physician.

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This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care.