Think it's only men who worry about losing hair when they grow older? Think again! Female hair loss is not as uncommon as one may think. And if men are concerned that their looks will be affected by hair loss - how much more would women be, in the looks-conscious world of cosmetics and high fashion?

Female hair loss occurs because all of us were born with androgens, or male hormones, which are responsible for triggering the alopecia gene that many of us are born with. The alopecia gene is gender-indiscriminate: males or females can carry it. Even if you never experience hair loss in your life, you may be a "carrier" of the alopecia gene, and you can pass this on to your child come the day. Men are more prone than women to suffering from genetic alopecia simply because they have more androgens, which would mean the alopecia gene stands a higher chance of getting triggered in one's lifetime.

The most common type of hair loss experienced by women is androgenetic alopecia, which has come to be known as "female pattern alopecia." The balding pattern involves thinning at the top and front parts of the head. It may be triggered as early as adolescence, which means there is a hormonal imbalance, and this may be corrected by hormone therapy. Some birth control pills may cause hair loss as well - it is best to ask your doctor for the side effects of the birth control medicine you are given, before you start to take them.

Like men, women may also benefit from the services of a good hair clinic. Pretty much the same hair loss remedy options are available to both men and women in the case of ordinary alopecia. There's surgery using advanced microscopic follicular unit transplant, which is said to be safe and generally painless, and the use of tried and tested hair growth medicines, such as Propecia and Rogaine.

Also, women may want to experiment with hairpieces, and change their "look" depending on their mood. It could be like getting a different haircut every time you feel like it! Hairpieces may be made of synthetic material, or even real human hair! Some women may argue, however, that there's nothing like having the feel of your own hair growing on your head, which makes surgery or medication rather attractive options.

Female hair loss need not be a huge problem: the remedy is in abundance, and it's up to you to decide which would work best for you.