It starts with a few more strands than usual appearing in your brush or comb or caught in the drain of the shower. But as hair loss progresses, you have to make some choices. Do you get hair plugs? Wear a wig or a hairpiece? Or do you just go ahead and shave the rest of it off and be bald?

Hair loss is a common problem in the United States, affecting 35 million men and 21 million women. Because a full head of hair is a symbol of youth and virility, losing that hair can be devastating. However, the options previously mentioned aren’t the only things you can do. Try these suggestions:

Consider switching medications. Several prescription drugs may lead to hair loss. Oral contraceptives have been linked to reversible hair loss three to six months after first use.  Up to 50 percent of patients on high doses of anti-coagulants, such as Heparin, experience some hair loss as well. And a common side effect of chemotherapy is the loss of hair.

In some cases, there are alternative treatments and options that will eliminate or decrease hair loss, but those options require a careful discussion with your doctor.

Increase your iron intake. Several studies have linked iron deficiency to hair loss—especially among women. Talk to you doctor if you think you may be anemic, and discuss the possibility of taking iron supplements.

Try an herbal remedy. Several herbs may also help prevent hair loss.  The stimulating properties of red pepper, for example, may release nutrients to the scalp and encourage hair growth. Aloe vera gel has shown promise in reversing hair loss among men with male-pattern baldness. Saw palmetto extract is another herbal remedy that studies have shown helps to stimulate hair growth among men. And applied directly to the scalp, safflower oil may increase blood flow and invigorate the hair follicles.