Female Hair Concerns With Age

The document discusses the concerns women have regarding hair as they age, highlighting that while scalp hair remains abundant, its density and volume can decrease over time, leading to both practical and psychological issues. The distinction between normal age-related hair loss and disease is not always clear, causing frustration among patients when diagnostic criteria do not align with their self-assessment. The onset of menarche can lead to the development of terminal hairs in secondary sexual areas and other parts of the body, which is often considered undesirable in many cultures. Women seek various treatments for hair issues, but face a multitude of options with many unsubstantiated regimens, and economic factors can limit access to advanced therapies. The document summarizes proceedings from a Procter & Gamble sponsored symposium, which provided new insights into the female hair cycle, the role of sex hormones in hair loss disorders, and offered comprehensive reviews for intervention in female pattern hair loss. It also covered the management of extraneous facial and body hair, including assessments of laser devices, and presented updates on cosmetic hair care technologies. The field of hair research is described as active and evolving, with collaboration between dermatologists and industry scientists.