What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a medical term meaning baldness or hair loss. There are many types of alopecia, and each has a unique cause. Hair loss affects people of all ages, male and female. For some, hair loss is hereditary and for others merely a natural part of aging. In many cases, hair loss may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

What are the different types of hair loss?

• Androgenetic Alopecia – hereditary hair loss affecting millions of men and women. Generally, these patients notice gradual hair thinning over time. Symptoms are typically noted at the top of the scalp as well as the temples in men and for females in a widened part.
• Telogen effluvium – hair loss caused by stress triggers and is commonly sudden and dramatic hair loss. Examples of stress triggers may include any stressful event such as a car accident or death of a loved one, any ongoing day-to-day stress, and especially for women the loss of hair after the birth of a baby. This type of hair loss is temporary and typically patients note full re-growth over time.
• Alopecia Areata – an autoimmune condition that most often causes patchy hair loss and sometimes causes loss of all hair. Regardless of the extent of the hair loss, alopecia areata is not a dangerous condition.
• Thyroid disease and anemia – may result in hair loss.Hair loss treatments vary and can help you hold on to the hair you have, and can often stimulate new growth. It is important to note that hair loss treatment is most effective when started at the first sign of hair loss.

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