Types of Hair Loss

Alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia are two of the main conditions associated with the cause of female hair loss, female baldness, and male pattern baldness. Although many factors can contribute to female baldness and male baldness, most researchers agree that hair loss is primarily a function of genetics and can come from both sides of the family, not just the father’s side. DocShop can direct you to experienced, highly trained medical experts who specialize in hair loss remedies and hair replacement. These physicians can help you determine the type of hair loss you have and discuss your options for treatment.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a rare condition that causes patchy loss of hair on various parts of the body, including the scalp. The condition is not life-threatening, but it can have traumatic effects on the individual as the onset is quick and often confusing.

Researchers believe that alopecia areata is an affliction of the autoimmune system in which hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by white blood cells, causing the hair to fall out. Patches can occur on any area of the body. Mild cases usually last less than a year, and normal hair growth continues after that. However, severe cases can result in total hair loss.

Alopecia areata is most common among children, but it can strike at any age and currently affects about 1 percent of the population. Alopecia areata can be treated in a variety of ways, but is most commonly treated with steroids and contact hypersensitization therapy.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition and a common cause of female hair loss and male baldness. It affects 35 million men in the United States alone. Androgenetic alopecia is primarily a hormone-related condition, centering on one particular hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause some hair follicles to regress and die.

Although there are many risk factors currently being studied, male pattern baldness and female baldness can be attributable to DHT. While women are generally affected by a gradual thinning of the entire head of hair by androgenetic alopecia, men are more often afflicted by male pattern baldness, which is a thinning of the hair beginning above both temples and receding in a well-defined pattern.

Female Baldness

Many women may think that female baldness cannot happen to them, but it can. Androgenetic alopecia is the leading cause of female hair loss. The condition can be inherited from either the mother’s or the father’s side of the family. Female baldness typically occurs in middle-aged women, but it’s also been known to affect adolescents. Declining hormone levels is also a frequent cause of female hair loss.

There are options available for treating female baldness and the causes of female hair loss, including various forms of hair replacement. Click here to learn more about female baldness and how it can be treated.

Male Baldness

Male pattern baldness can result from many factors, but the most common causes are genetic. Androgenetic alopecia can be inherited from either the male or the female side of the family, and it can be the cause of female hair loss as well as male baldness. It usually begins with a thinning and receding of the hair starting at the crown of the head. Hair follicles become shorter, and some eventually die.

A number of treatments and hair replacement options are available for male baldness and pattern baldness. Click here for detailed information on male baldness and how you can prevent it.

Locate a Hair Restoration Specialist through DocShop

If you are concerned about male or female baldness, or if you are already experiencing the onset of hair loss, DocShop can help you to locate a hair restoration specialist in your area. Male pattern baldness or female baldness can be treated. Talk to an experienced specialist today.