Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Hair loss becomes more common as we age, but is thinning hair inevitable? And can you prevent hair loss — or even reverse it?
On this episode of Aging Forward, dermatologist Dr. Saranya Wyles from Mayo Clinic explains why hair changes with age, the different types and causes of hair loss, and how dermatologists diagnose and treat thinning hair. She also discusses how hormones, stress, illness, nutrition, medications and conditions such as alopecia can affect hair growth.
Dr. Wyles breaks down popular hair loss treatments, including topical and oral minoxidil, red light therapy, supplements, microneedling and at-home remedies. Plus, she shares practical ways to support scalp health and healthy hair as you age.
In this episode:
• Why hair thins and changes as we age
• Early signs of hair loss in men and women
• Male and female pattern hair loss
• Hormones, menopause and hair loss
• Nutritional deficiencies and thinning hair
• Hair loss after stress, illness or COVID-19
• Different types of alopecia
• How dermatologists diagnose hair loss
• Topical vs. oral minoxidil
• Red light therapy and hair growth
• Supplements, rosemary oil and microneedling
• Scalp care and hair loss prevention
• Nutrition, sleep and lifestyle habits for healthier hair
Learn what the science says about hair loss treatments and the everyday steps that may help protect your hair and scalp as you age.
For more Aging Forward episodes and resources, visit: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/aging-forward
00:00 Hair loss and aging
01:25 How hair changes as we age
04:39 Early signs of hair loss
05:51 Male and female pattern hair loss
07:25 When does age-related hair loss start?
08:47 Nutrition and hair loss
11:14 Medications that can cause hair loss
12:52 Understanding alopecia
14:25 Hair loss after COVID-19, illness and stress
17:08 How hair loss is diagnosed
19:05 What are zombie cells?
20:09 What happens during a scalp biopsy?
21:09 Minoxidil for hair loss
22:53 Oral minoxidil side effects
24:23 Do hair growth supplements work?
25:24 Red light therapy for hair growth
27:23 Rosemary oil and other home remedies
28:51 Are dermarollers safe for hair loss?
30:07 Scalp care and hair loss prevention
32:13 Sun exposure and scalp health
33:30 Nutrition and sleep for healthy hair
34:59 How Dr. Wyles ages well
Hair loss becomes more common as we age, but is thinning hair inevitable? And can you prevent hair loss — or even reverse it?
On this episode of Aging Forward, dermatologist Dr. Saranya Wyles from Mayo Clinic explains why hair changes with age, the different types and causes of hair loss, and how dermatologists diagnose and treat thinning hair. She also discusses how hormones, stress, illness, nutrition, medications and conditions such as alopecia can affect hair growth.
Dr. Wyles breaks down popular hair loss treatments, including topical and oral minoxidil, red light therapy, supplements, microneedling and at-home remedies. Plus, she shares practical ways to support scalp health and healthy hair as you age.
In this episode:
• Why hair thins and changes as we age
• Early signs of hair loss in men and women
• Male and female pattern hair loss
• Hormones, menopause and hair loss
• Nutritional deficiencies and thinning hair
• Hair loss after stress, illness or COVID-19
• Different types of alopecia
• How dermatologists diagnose hair loss
• Topical vs. oral minoxidil
• Red light therapy and hair growth
• Supplements, rosemary oil and microneedling
• Scalp care and hair loss prevention
• Nutrition, sleep and lifestyle habits for healthier hair
Learn what the science says about hair loss treatments and the everyday steps that may help protect your hair and scalp as you age.
For more Aging Forward episodes and resources, visit: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/aging-forward
00:00 Hair loss and aging
01:25 How hair changes as we age
04:39 Early signs of hair loss
05:51 Male and female pattern hair loss
07:25 When does age-related hair loss start?
08:47 Nutrition and hair loss
11:14 Medications that can cause hair loss
12:52 Understanding alopecia
14:25 Hair loss after COVID-19, illness and stress
17:08 How hair loss is diagnosed
19:05 What are zombie cells?
20:09 What happens during a scalp biopsy?
21:09 Minoxidil for hair loss
22:53 Oral minoxidil side effects
24:23 Do hair growth supplements work?
25:24 Red light therapy for hair growth
27:23 Rosemary oil and other home remedies
28:51 Are dermarollers safe for hair loss?
30:07 Scalp care and hair loss prevention
32:13 Sun exposure and scalp health
33:30 Nutrition and sleep for healthy hair
34:59 How Dr. Wyles ages well
