Alopecia (Hair loss)

What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect just your scalp or your entire body.

Normal vs. Excessive: It is normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you see bald patches or large clumps coming out in the shower, that is excessive.

Common Types & Symptoms

Hair loss isn't "one size fits all." Identifying the pattern helps find the cause.

1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness)

The most common hereditary type.

• Men: Receding hairline (M-shape) and thinning at the crown.
• Women: General thinning on top of the head; the part line widens.

2. Alopecia Areata (Patchy Loss)

An autoimmune disease where the body attacks hair follicles.

• Symptoms: Smooth, round, coin-sized bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows.

3. Telogen Effluvium (Stress Shedding)

Temporary hair loss triggered by a shock to the system.

• Symptoms: Handfuls of hair come out when combing or washing. This usually happens 3 months after a stressful event (illness, childbirth, surgery).

Causes & Triggers

• Genetics: Family history is the #1 predictor.
• Hormones: Pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid problems.
• Medications: Drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems.
• Hairstyles: Tight braids or cornrows cause Traction Alopecia.
• Poor Nutrition: Lack of Iron or Protein.

Diagnosis

Doctors use simple tests to find the root cause:

• The Pull Test: Gently pulling a dozen hairs to see how many come out.
• Blood Tests: To check Iron levels (Ferritin) and Thyroid function (TSH).
• Scalp Biopsy: Scraping a small sample to check for infection or follicle health.

Treatment Options

Treatments work best when started early. Once the follicle scars over, hair cannot grow back.

1. Medications (FDA Approved)

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Over-the-counter foam/liquid. Helps slow loss and regrow hair. Must be used indefinitely.
• Finasteride (Propecia): Prescription pill for men. It blocks the hormone (DHT) that shrinks hair follicles.

2. Medical Procedures

• Hair Transplant: Moving hair plugs from the back of the scalp to bald areas.
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Injecting your own blood plasma into the scalp to stimulate follicles.

Lifestyle & Prevention

🥗 DIET MATTERS
Your hair needs fuel to grow. Ensure you are getting enough:

• Protein: Hair is made of keratin (a protein).
• Iron: Iron deficiency anemia is a major cause of hair loss in women.

• Be Gentle: Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair.
• Avoid Heat: Limit hot rollers and curling irons.
• Loose Styles: Avoid tight ponytails that pull on the hairline.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.