Once upon a time, women suffered hair loss silently, ashamed by their appearance and baffled by its cause.

Today, we know that millions of women are afflicted with hair loss. 40% of hair loss sufferers are women, that is over 90 million women who are afflicted.

Hair loss, is referred to alopecia by the medical profession. It can be caused by excessive stress, hormonal imbalances, reactions to medications such as Accutane used to clear-up acne. Hair loss can also be caused by one’s bodily response to disease.

For more than 50% of women, the cause of their hair loss is genetic predisposition combined with hormonal changes. This is known as female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.

There are a variety of causes for androgenetic alopecia. These can include ovarian cysts, taking high androgen index birth control pills, pregnancy and menopause. Birth control pills are a huge contributing factor to female hair loss; and sadly, most women have no idea about this side effect. While oral contraceptives are a common trigger of hair loss - doctors do not emphasize this side effect. Physicians recognize the for the most part, oral contraceptives are a safe and effective form of birth control. They also recognize the the pills have been clinically proven to have other health benefits for some women who use them. However, it is important to warn women about the potential risk of hair loss with this form of contraceptive.

With a 75% chance for alopecia, if both parents are prone to hair loss, some doctors are now strongly suggesting an alternative forms of birth control. There are low-testosterone birth control pills on the market. If there is a strong predisposition for genetic hair loss in your family, ask for another non-hormonal form of birth control.

While most women do not experience hair loss while taking birth control pills, most cases occur after one stops taking the medication, particular for women who are sensitive to hormone changes.

Some forms of hair loss are curable, but most cases are permanent. Some of the medications featured on infomercials and in magazines should be avoided. Women are vulnerable when it comes to the hair loss issue and will waste their time and money on these products which will do nothing to correct their situation.

Once hair loss has set in, you need to find out the cause and begin treating the symptoms immediately. The longer you wait, the less chance of the hair growing back.