My problem is that my bangs have become very thin and I have a semi-bald spot at the top of that area. I also seem to be losing a lot of hair while showering. Is there anything I can eat, supplements or herbal remedies that I can take, or a procedure that can correct this problem or at least stop it from continuing? I have become self-conscious about this and hope you have some suggestions. I will truly try anything.

DEAR READER: As I have stated in the past, there are a number of reasons for hair loss and female-pattern baldness. You might begin with blood tests, particularly of the B vitamins. While you indicate you take a one-a-day vitamin, biotin and B12 deficiencies are commonly the cause of the problem. Then there’s stress, hormonal changes, iron deficiency, a family history, specific skin diseases, some medications and a number of other possibilities. Read the fine print on your daily supplements to determine if thinning hair can be a minute but distinct possibility. If you color or otherwise treat your hair, use a blow-dryer, or get perms, I recommend you discontinue the practice. What should be understood, however, is that damage to your hair from harsh products has no impact on hair loss that results from a medical problem.

Rule out all obvious possibilities. Then speak with your physician regarding the use of minoxidil, the only FDA-approved medication to combat hair loss. On the downside, it is an expensive treatment and once you discontinue it, the thinning and baldness will continue once again.

Review your diet. If appropriate, consider adding walnuts, fish, soy, poultry and eggs. While there is no scientific evidence to substantiate the recommendation, green tea is a good source of antioxidants and may slow the progression. Good luck. Keep me informed.

I’ve had hormone testing that was OK. Can you help me to find the right shampoo to help my hair? On the Internet, they claim Provillus is the best product, but this comes with pills and a topical serum that make me leery.

DEAR READER: Healthy hair grows about a 1/2 inch each month for up to about six years. It then ultimately falls out, and a new one grows in its place. With baldness, that new hair doesn’t grow back, and baldness occurs. This may be a part of the aging process, a family history of baldness or changes in the levels of hormones. Other possibilities include specific skin disorders that scar hair follicles, an iron or biotin deficiency, or medications such as beta blockers, ibuprofen, Coumadin and others.

The only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat female-pattern baldness is minoxidil. Unfortunately, the treatment is expensive, and hair loss will begin again when it is discontinued. Speak with your physician regarding this possibility.