Alopecia and Hair Loss

Bad hair days. We have all had them and know how they can ruin our day. Hair is something we notice right away about a person. When a woman has hair thinning or falling out, it can have a big impact on how she feels about herself. The most common type of hair loss in women is female pattern alopecia or baldness. It affects women mostly after menopause, although it can start as early as the pre-teenage years. Causes can include physical stress such as surgery and illness, emotional stress, thyroid problems, certain medications, and hormonal changes. Hair most often returns to normal once the causes are resolved. Another hair loss condition, which is also temporary in most cases, is alopecia areata. While researchers do not know what causes this condition, they think it may be an autoimmune disease (see Body Image Lupus and Other Autoimmune Diseases page). Hair loss, which is also temporary, is very common in women undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

People who have hair loss are usually in good health. But emotionally, this condition can be hard to handle and can change a woman's body image. There are treatments available for hair loss, along with a wide range of wigs, hairpieces, and techniques for styling hair. It is important to first talk with your health care provider if you have concerns about hair loss. Be aware that there are products on the market that make lots of promises but have never been tested for safety or effectiveness. The National Women's Health Information Center has provided the following publications and organizations to help women learn more about hair loss and how to maintain a positive body image.

Publications

Female Pattern Hair Loss (Copyright © AHLC)
This fact sheet explains the different types of hair loss for women, anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium. It also explains possible causes and treatments for female hair loss.

Hair Loss and Its Causes (Copyright © AAFP)
This fact sheet discusses excessive hair loss, "common baldness," causes if hair loss and options for treatment.

What You Should Know (alopecia areata) (Copyright © NAAF)
Alopecia areata is a common disease that results in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches. It occurs in males and females of all ages, but onset most often occurs in childhood. This fact sheet explains possible treatments, support groups for Alopecia and gives information about the national Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Alopecia and Hair Loss

Publications

Organizations