Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Most causes of hair loss can be stopped or treated with proper care from a dermatologist.
The most common hair loss is a medical condition called hereditary hair loss. It is commonly called androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness.
Telogen Effluvium is temporary hair loss that can be triggered by stress, illness, or changes in lifestyle. Women may notice hair loss after giving birth. People under a lot of stress can see noticeable hair loss. Some diseases and medical treatments can cause hair loss.
The most common cause of hair loss is a medical condition called hereditary hair loss. Approximately 80 million men and women in the United States have this type of hair loss. Other names for this type of hair loss are:
- Male pattern baldness
- Female pattern baldness
- Androgenetic alopecia
Excessive Hair (Hirsutism)
Excessive hair, also known as hirsutism, refers to growth of hair (typically in women) in places that are ordinarily areas for male hair growth. This includes facial hair and excessive hair on the trunk (on the chest, particularly around the nipples, on the the back and the lower abdomen), and limbs.
Hirsutism is often present when other family members have a history of excessive hair growth. Hirsutism is often a byproduct of hyperandrogenism, which indicates an imbalance of hormone levels, with higher male hormones than normal. Hyperandrogenism is related to polycystic ovary syndrome as well as obesity, insulin resistance and in rarer cases, Cushing syndrome.