Hair Loss
Alternate Names : Alopecia, Baldness
Hair loss can occur as thinning hair or complete baldness. The hair
loss may be on the head or any other part of the body that normally has hair,
such as the eyebrows.
What is going on in the body?
There are many causes of hair loss. The most common form of hair loss is due to
male pattern baldness, in which hair is lost from the front and top
of the scalp. Other types of hair loss can create different patterns. Treatment
depends on the type and cause of baldness.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Hair loss can be due to:
male pattern baldness, the most common type of hair loss, which is usually
inherited from one of the parents
inflammation of the scalp, which can cause patchy hair loss and is often
treatable
medications, such as chemotherapy
radiation therapy
of the head, usually to treat cancer
infections, such as a fungal infection of the scalp or a sexually transmitted disease called
syphilis
trauma to the hair or scalp, which may include certain hairstyles that
constantly pull on the hair, such as tight braids
Certain diseases can also cause the condition:
low levels of iron in
the body, which may also cause anemia, or a low red blood cell count
hypothyroidism, which
is a condition caused by low levels of thyroid hormones
systemic lupus
erythematosus, a bodywide disease that attacks many organ
systems
very rarely,
cancer
Female pattern baldness usually causes thinning of the hair on the top and
sides of the head. Some causes of female pattern baldness are:
stress, including
emotional stress, surgery, illness, or rapid weight change
hormonal changes, including those caused by
pregnancy,
menopause, or use of oral
contraceptives
hormonal imbalances, such as
hypothyroidism, which is a low level of thyroid hormone
some medications, such as those used for gout and high blood
pressure
high levels of vitamin A
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