What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It is a very common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Hair loss can happen to anyone. It can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.¹

What causes alopecia?

Hair loss can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, the cause is genetic. Other times, it is related to hormones or the immune system. It can also be linked to stress on the body.¹

Alopecia can typically be linked to the following causes:¹

• Genetics
• Autoimmune response
• Physical or emotional stress
• Medicines

Types of alopecia

There are several main types of alopecia. Doctors categorize them based on what causes the hair loss to occur:^1-4

Androgenetic alopecia

This is the most common type. It is genetic, or "pattern," baldness. In men, it often starts as a receding hairline or a bald spot on the crown. In women, it usually appears as a wider hair part or general thinning of hair all over the scalp.^1,2

Alopecia areata

This is the autoimmune type. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. It often starts with small, round, smooth patches of hair loss on the scalp. It can sometimes affect eyebrows and eyelashes, too. In rare cases, it can progress to alopecia totalis (loss of all scalp hair) or alopecia universalis (loss of all body hair).^1,3

Telogen effluvium

This is a widespread thinning of hair. It is not patchy. It happens as a result of severe stress or a change to the body. About 3 months after the stressful event, these hairs shed. This type is most often linked to new medicines, illness, or surgery.^1,4

Symptoms and progression

The main symptom of alopecia is hair loss. How this looks depends on the type:^1-4

• You may find large clumps of hair in the shower drain.
• You might see more hair than usual on your pillow.
• You may notice thinning on top of your head.
• You might find one or more coin-sized bald spots.
• You may notice your hair part getting wider.

The progression is also different for each type. Alopecia areata can come and go. Hair may grow back and fall out again. In nearly all cases of telogen effluvium, shedding usually stops on its own. Hair often starts to regrow 3 to 6 months after the trigger is gone.^1-4

Diagnosis and treatment options

To find the cause of alopecia, a doctor will look closely at your scalp. They will ask you questions about your health history. It is very important to tell them about:¹

• When the hair loss started
• All the medicines you take
• Any recent illnesses or surgeries
• High levels of stress in your life
• Your diet
• Family history of hair loss

Treatment depends on the cause. For androgenetic alopecia, treatment is aimed at stopping hair loss and helping hair to grow back. It may include topical foams or liquids. For alopecia areata, doctors might use steroid injections to calm the immune system.^1,3,4

If your doctor thinks a medicine is the cause, the approach is different. They will review the medicines you are taking. They may be able to lower the dose. Or, they might switch you to a different type of medicine that does not have this side effect.^1,4

Talk to your doctor

Hair loss can be upsetting and can affect a person’s quality of life. It is important to know that it is a medical condition with many possible causes. If you are experiencing hair loss, talk to your healthcare team. They can help find the right cause and the safest solution for you. They will work to protect your heart health while also managing your hair health.