Hair loss can be an emotionally troubling experience for some women. Luckily, experts do have suggestions on how to treat and prevent this condition. According to Dr. Robert Jones of the Hair Transplant Center in Oakville, ON, hair loss in women is largely genetically determined—he estimates that nearly 80 to 90 percent of hair loss in both men and women is due to a family history of the condition. But some women can experience hair loss as the result of a thyroid dysfunction, pregnancy hormones or because of side effects of medicines such as antidepressants and birth control pills. Nick Dimakos, founder of SureThik International in Toronto, agrees stress and lower-than-normal levels of estrogen (雌性激素) are other contributing factors to hair loss in females. Low levels of iron and over-use of chemical hair products such as artificial dyes (染料) can also lead to thinning hair, which can be especially difficult for women, for whom hair loss is much less socially acceptable than it is for men. “Women lose about 25 percent of their hair before even noticing there’s a problem,” Dimakos says. “It can be devastating (毁灭性的) for them.” There is no surefire (一定成功的) way to prevent hair loss, but there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of hair you lose. Dimakos recommends visiting your doctor because early discovery and treatment can prevent unnecessary hair loss. He also recommends using mild hair products, avoiding hair dyes or extensions, avoiding smoking and taking vitamin B12 if you suspect hair loss may be in your future. Wearing hair in a ponytail (马尾辫) or braid (辫子) regularly can also lead to weakened hair that is likely to fall out, so it may be best to avoid wearing these styles too often. Of course, if your hair begins to lose, you’d better seek treatment. ? Hair transplants Very few women turn to hair transplants because unlike men, women suffering from hair loss usually have thinning hair all over their heads rather than only in one area. If there is not enough hair somewhere else on the head that can be taken to fill in the gaps, a transplant cannot be performed. ? Minoxidil Found in Rogaine, an over-the-counter (OTC) product, this is a medicine that lowers blood pressure. But it can also slow down or stop hair loss, says Dimakos. This option may work for some women, but it is important to consult your physician before taking any type of medication. The truth about hair loss in women What (71) hair loss? (72) factor A large (73) of hair loss is due to a family history of the condition. Health condition and stress A thyroid dysfunction, stress, pregnancy hormones and low levels of estrogen and iron all lead to hair loss. Side effects of medicines Some medicines lead to hair loss. Chemical hair products Over-use of such products may cause hair to (74) . Women’s ignorance About 25 percent of their hair is lost before women (75) there is a problem. How can you prevent hair loss? Visit the doctor. Doctors may help you (76) it early and treat hair loss in time. Adopt a healthy (77) . Avoid smoking and take vitamin B12. Avoid hair dyes or extensions. Wear your hair properly. Avoid wearing hair in a ponytail or braid (78) . How can you (79) hair loss? Hair transplants A transplant can be performed if there is enough hair somewhere else on the head that can be taken to fill in the gaps. Minoxidil The medicine can slow down or stop hair loss if (80) properly.