Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can affect just the scalp or the entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from the scalp, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Heredity: Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Both men and women can develop this type of hair loss, which is also known as androgenic alopecia. It means that you’ve inherited genes that cause your hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop growing hair.
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Hormonal changes: Excess androgens, or male sex hormones, and hormonal imbalances are the most common cause of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia.
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Medical conditions: Medical conditions such as alopecia areata, which is a disease that develops when the bodys immune system attacks hair follicles, can cause hair loss.
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Normal part of aging: Hair loss can be a normal part of aging, and it can affect anyone.
Other possible causes of hair loss include extreme physical stress or shock to the body, medications, other autoimmune conditions, physical trauma, stress, trichotillomania, and poor nutrition. Before pursuing hair loss treatment, it is important to talk with a doctor about the cause of hair loss and treatment options.
