Hair Loss (Alopecia) Symptoms and Signs

Alopecia, or hair loss, affects all ages and races. Hair loss occurs in males and females, but men are much more likely than women to experience alopecia. People in good health and those with health problems can suffer from hair loss. 

The most common form of alopecia is baldness. Androgenic alopecia is the term used for male pattern baldness. This is a genetic condition related to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair loss for androgenic alopecia in men often begins at the hairline and spreads towards the back of the head. It can also start at the top of the head. 

Women have a small amount of the DHT hormone, which can cause androgenic alopecia in females. However, female pattern baldness may be the result of other things such as childbirth, birth control pills, hormones and stress. Baldness in women does not have a distinct pattern, and the hairline remains intact. For women, hair sheds throughout the scalp. 

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs in small patches. It leaves round areas of skin bald. These bald spots vary in size. Alpecia areata is an autoimmune condition and occurs when the white blood cells attack hair follicles. With alopecia areata, all of the scalp hair may fall out, which is a condition called alopecia areata totalis. In some cases of alopecia areata, all of the hair on the body falls out. This is known as alopecia areata universalis. Alopecia areata can be a cyclical condition, with hair growing and falling out over an extended period of time. 

Another type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium. This form of hair loss is caused by some kind of shock to the body. A crash diet, anorexia, sudden extreme stress, and hormonal changes after childbirth are some things that can trigger telogen effluvium. A few weeks or a few months after the triggering event occurs, a large amount of hair is shed. In telogen effluvium, the shedding process involves new hair pushing into the follicles. This means that the hair will grow back for this condition. 

When stress to the scalp damages hair follicles, traction alopecia occurs. Hair stops growing in the areas where the follicles have been damaged. Hair loss for this condition is generally at the hairline. This type of hair loss is most often seen in minority women who apply strong chemicals to their hair or use hairstyling methods such as tight ponytails or braiding. 

An examination by a doctor is needed to determine the type of hair loss a person is experiencing. Once the condition is properly diagnosed, the doctor can begin a course of treatment. Treatment for alopecia includes injections to the scalp, creams or liquids for the scalp, and oral medications. Doctors may also do a hair transplant or a scalp reduction to treat hair loss. Treatments for hair loss are not always successful. Therefore, it is better to begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent further hair loss.