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Women Confess...
They Would Rather Gain Fifteen Pounds Than Lose Their Hair

NAPSA)-A woman's hair is often viewed as an extension of her personality.

In fact, a nationwide survey,
conducted by Women's Rogaine, reveals that half of all women feel that their hair is their most attractive feature. But, what if you started to lose your hair?

Most women are not aware that hereditary hair loss affects 30 million (one in four) women. It has been reported that half of all women feel their hair is their most attractive
feature, but as many as 50 percent of women over age 40 have hereditary hair loss. This condition is so devastating that 54 percent of women polled would rather gain 15 pounds than lose their hair.

“It's important for anyone experiencing hair loss to remember that they’re not alone and that they don’t have to silently live with the loss; I recommend that women confront the situation and seek treatment options that are proven to work,” said Ellen Rubin, M.D., clinical instructor of psychology at NYU School of Medicine.

With hair loss being recognized as such a common occurrence, why is it still a taboo subject among women? Almost six in 10 (56 percent) women reported that if they knew another woman suffering from hair loss, they would never bring up the subject. A lack of discussion about women's hair loss fuels the existing stigma, making it harder for women to confront the problem.

“Thinning hair and hair loss can have a profound effect on self-image and self-confidence, causing women to feel unattractive, embarrassed and helpless,” says Dr. Rubin. “Women are often insecure, apprehensive and ashamed when they start to exhibit signs of hair loss.” So much so that most women polled would rather show signs of aging than thinning hair. Among the 508 women polled, women felt that balding impacts self-esteem more than wrinkles or acne.

Hair loss poses considerable
psychological and emotional challenges for women-in fact, one in four thinks losing her hair would be like losing a limb. Justine Ippolito, who suffers from hair loss, decided to take action. “I feel much better about myself now that I am treating my hair loss. I'm not as embarrassed in public and I'm happier with myself.”

Currently, Women’s Rogaine (topical minoxidil) is the only hair regrowth therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hair loss and thinning hair in women.

For further information, go to www.Rogaine.com or call toll free
1-800-Rogaine.