Hair Loss

Alopecia is the loss of hair on the scalp or any other part of the body in human males and females. Common causes include medical conditions like anemia and diabetes, poor nutrition, excessive stress, hereditary factors, imbalanced hormones, and cancer treatment that involves radiation.

In some cases, chemotherapy results in a condition called alopecia universalis, or the total loss of hair all over the body. Hair may regrow more slowly and even in a different texture than before due to permanent changes to the follicles. Alopecia areata refers to the sudden loss of hair in noticeable patches. This condition can be especially embarrassing, as it does not follow the normal pattern of baldness and conveys an appearance of unhealthiness or disease. It is not contagious but has been linked to hereditary factors, so children and grandchildren of affected individuals tend to be at a higher risk for developing the condition, also called spot baldness.

Anyone can suffer from thinning or falling hair, though statistics show that the balding population is comprised of mostly men. This is due to a variety of factors, many of which concern the male sex hormone testosterone. While women do carry trace amounts of testosterone in their bodies, it is not typically enough to cause negative side effects like hair loss. In some cases, however, these levels are elevated and female pattern baldness begins to develop in women as young as their early 20s.

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is male hormone that plays a key role in male pattern baldness and can actually cause follicles to shrink over time, limiting their function and resulting in progressive hair loss. A formula for an effective drug that combats excessive levels of DHT continues to be researched in an effort to provide balding men some sort of relief from their hair loss. Other treatments that have been shown to help stop the loss of hair and support regrowth include topical medications and shampoos, hair transplant and lifestyle changes, such as decreased brushing and styling.