Hair Loss - Causes, Treatments and Solutions for Men & Women Part 1

Hair Loss Overview

More than half of men and women in the United States experience hair loss. About 30% of people have hair loss by 30 years of age, and about 50% have hair loss by 50 years of age. Hair loss is so common that it is usually considered a normal variation and not a disease. Other animals closely related to humans, such as the chimpanzee, also lose their hair as they age.

What Are Causes of Hair Loss?

In general, most hair loss is not associated with systemic or internal disease, nor is poor diet a frequent factor. While thyroid disease can cause hair loss, thyroid tests on people who have ordinary hair loss are usually normal. Although many medications list "hair loss" among their potential side effects, overall drugs are also not common causes of thinning or lost hair. On the other hand, with cancer treatments and immune-suppression medications, hair loss is more common.

Types of Hair Loss

One useful way to classify hair loss is by whether the loss is localized and patchy or whether it affects large areas or the whole scalp. We'll take a look at some of the most common hair loss conditions on the following slides.

Alopecia Areata

A common hair loss condition, alopecia areata, usually starts as a single quarter-sized circle of perfectly smooth baldness. Alopecia patches often regrow in three to six months without treatment. Sometimes, hair regrows in white coloration. In another variant, alopecia areata can produce two or three bald patches. When these grow back, they may be replaced by others. The most extensive form of hair loss is called alopecia totalis, in which the entire scalp becomes bald. It's important to emphasize that patients who have localized hair loss generally don't lose hair throughout the scalp. Alopecia can affect hair on other parts of the body, too (for example, the beard).

Types of Hair Loss

One useful way to classify hair loss is by whether the loss is localized and patchy or whether it affects large areas or the whole scalp. We'll take a look at some of the most common hair loss conditions on the following slides.