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For many men, it’s considered part of normal aging, but for the 25% of women who suffer from female pattern baldness, losing hair can be like losing their identity.

Now, a new test may help women take action before their hair thins.

When Danielle Ducharme was in her late teens, she started to notice there was a lot less of her beautiful locks.

She noted, “It was always curly and thick, and always a lot of it.”

Now at 25, she wonders how long until she goes bald?

She said, “It’s horrifying. I go to bed at night sometimes thinking, you know, crying myself to sleep, you know. Imagine having to wear wigs for the rest of your life.”

A new DNA test called “Hair DX” can help women like Danielle learn about their hair, through their genes.

Danielle added, “I just want to know how much worse it’s gonna get.”

The test is just a simple swab on both cheeks.

Three weeks later, the results will let a person know if they are at risk of significant hair loss before the age of 40.

Dr. Robert Leonard said of the test, “The biggest benefit of this genetic test is that we can predict something into the future. So if we know that a person will be losing her hair we can treat it early to stop further progression.”

Dr. Leonard also says a person generally doesn’t notice she’s losing her hair until 50% has already fallen out.

He added, “So, if we catch this before they really notice too much thinning, we can treat it early, keep the hair on their head and not have to worry about it so much.”

Danielle hopes others take advantage of this test, helping women hold onto their hair and in some cases, their self-esteem.

There are several FDA approved drugs for preserving existing hair, but nothing for re-growing lost hair.

The cost of the DNA test is about $150. A similar test is available for men.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help