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More than half of all men and one-third of all women experience hair loss as they get older. According to the National Council on Aging, those numbers are for people older than 65 but we know that hair loss from genetic factors (like male/female pattern baldness) can begin in the early 20s for some men. For most women, hair loss is tied to menopause and thought to be a result of changing hormones.
But there is a lot more to it than just fluctuating hormones.
Why Does Aging Cause Hair Loss?
This is a complex question and not the same for every patient. For many, it is a genetic predisposition to hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia. That condition is more commonly referred to as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness.
For others, it is a side effect of certain medications. Illness can also be a reason for hair loss, and for others it can simply be related to diet.
The Cleveland Clinic points out that hormone fluctuations from menopause and the presence of more androgen might be a factor in hair loss in women. It could also be that as we age we tend to become more concerned about our diet – eating less and possibly absorbing less nutrients from what we eat… which might also impact hair production.
Exercise science has been able to determine that as we age, we process protein less efficiently. Since protein is an essential building-block of our hair, that might be one of the causes of hair loss as we age.
Another reason could be that health issues that cause hormone fluctuation are more common in older patients. Endocrine issues ranging from thyroid disease to Type II diabetes and several in between can impact your hormone production and thus your hair.
Medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, and some forms of heart disease (as well as cancers) can also cause hair loss. And stress, from bereavement to retirement, can also cause hair loss – as can environmental issues like pollutants.
Given all those factors, it is actually a wonder that anyone has hair after a certain age!
Can I Stop Thinning Hair as I Age?
The key to preventing thinning hair as we age is taking steps to fight it as soon as it begins. Androgenic alopecia is hereditary and usually triggered by aging, but there are topical and oral medications that have proven effective at slowing or possibly even reversing hair loss while they are taken.
Another key to stopping hair thinning as we age is paying attention to the ways we treat our hair.
Recommendations include shampooing less frequently making sure that you use the right products for your hair and limiting the use of heat-styling – whether it’s blow dryers, curling irons or flattening irons. Nutritionists also suggest a protein-rich diet full of vitamins and healthy greens.
But some studies indicate this is just a factor of aging and there is nothing we can do. “Various reports have suggested that decreased hair density and diameter occur with advancing age,” one study suggests. That is because of a process called senescence… meaning that as we get older our cells remain alive and healthy but stop dividing and reproducing. This leads to our hair strands becoming thinner and hair follicles producing fewer hairs, making hair on our scalps less dense.
Bring Your Hair Loss Concerns to the Experts at LA FUE Hair NYC
Here at LA FUE Hair NYC, we understand that keeping your hair strong and healthy for as long as possible starts before you hit your advanced years. We are here to help you keep your hair as long as possible. Start changing your hair future today by setting up a consultation with our team.