BOSTON -- Receding hairlines and baldness are traits associated with men, but hair loss affects women, too and in greater numbers than you might expect.

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NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that a new clinic caters to women looking to regain their crowning glory.

Beverly Sullivan has done something traditionally reserved for men. She's had a hair transplant.

"It was like male pattern baldness. My hair was you know thinning up here, and my hair line was really back about three quarters of an inch," Sullivan said.

Like more than 50 percent of women over 50, and 35 percent of women under 50, Sullivan suffered from hair loss. The causes are often genetic, but a range of factors are to blame.

"Hormonal imbalances, thyroid imbalances can cause hair loss, nutritional deficiencies, iron deficiency anemia, zinc deficiencies," Women's Hair Loss Center's Dr. Mary Wendel said.

The women's hair loss center in Worcester, Mass., is the first center in New England specifically designed for women. They offer surgery, access to medications, and hair growth products.

Nancy Ryan, 45, knew she had to make an appointment after emotional stress caused her hair to thin.

"It made me very uncomfortable to be out in sunlight or in a room with bright lights. I would position myself certain ways -- afraid of the wind and the rain," Ryan said. "After 6 months, I'm very pleased. Very, very pleased."

Wendel said that there is hope for women -- especially if they catch hair loss early.

"The most important thing is don't wait -- get help as soon as you start to notice it," Wendel said.