Hair loss or hair shedding occurs in men, women and in some cases, children. Biological factors including genetics, physical factors, medications, dietary intake and medical conditions all play a role in the inducement of hair shedding. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying factors. Areas of hair loss caused by a hormone imbalance can regrow hair after hormone correction.
Types of Hair Loss
According to the American Hair Loss Council, or AHLC, men and women can experience two different types of hair loss: anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium. Dr. Wilma Bergfeld and Shannon Harrison describe anagen effluvium, in the June 2009 issue of the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, as hair loss concerning the early termination of the anagen phase, or the hair-growth phase. Medications that interfere with cellular activity, such as chemotherapy and radiation, commonly induce anagen hair loss in men and women. In contrast, telogen effluvium, a hair-loss condition resulting from the early entry of hair follicles into the arrested stage or the non-cellular activity phase, has many underlying factors that contribute to hair shedding.
Telogen Effluvium
Physiological stress, medical conditions, nutritional imbalance and medications can cause telogen hair shedding, according to Dr. Bergfeld. Although controversial, as some scientists and physicians don't believe that emotional stress can contribute to hair loss, studies conducted on mice, however, indicate that stress can contribute to telogen hair shedding. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, or AOCD, describes telogen effluvium as a temporary condition that generally ceases upon receiving proper treatment.
Hair Loss in Women
The AHLC identifies androgenetic alopecia, or female-pattern alopecia, as a common balding pattern among post-menopausal women. Androgenetic alopecia, the thinning of the hair, usually occurs at the front, crown and sides of the head; heredity is its underlying factor. According to the AHLC, about "one-third of all susceptible women" experience female-pattern balding. Young women who experience balding during puberty should consult with a physician as this could indicate a hormone imbalance.
Hair Loss in Men
Androgenetic alopecia affects more men than women. The AOCD reports that approximately one-fourth of men experience balding by the age of 30 and two-thirds by age 60. Men tend to lose their hair on the top and sides of the head. Similar to androgenetic alopecia in women, heredity and age play a significant role in hair shedding among men.
Traction Alopecia
The AHLC warns that certain hair styles that require constant pulling, such as tight ponytails or braids, can cause gradual hair loss, or traction alopecia. The balding pattern typically occurs along the hairline of the applied force. The AHLC further states that chronic tension on weak hair can cause permanent hair loss.
References
- The American Hair Loss Council: Female-Pattern Hair Loss
- Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine: Diffuse Hair Loss: Its Triggers and Management
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Female-Pattern Hair Loss
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Hair Loss
- The American Hair Loss Council: Male-Pattern Hair Loss
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