Baldness and Hair Loss
Men and women naturally lose hair as they age, with about two-thirds of men either bald or showing a pattern of baldness by age 60. Yet other hair loss can be triggered by sudden physical or emotional stress, childbirth, crash diets, medication such as antidepressants, autoimmune conditions such as lupus, and thyroid diseases. Another form of hair loss, called alopecia areata, causes bald patches on the scalp, beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. Discuss any sudden hair loss with your doctor.
Recently Answered
- Q What increases my risk of baldness?
-
Factors affecting the risk of baldness are largely dependent on the type of baldness under consideration. The risk for developing androgenetic pattern baldness relates directly to heredity. A family history of pattern baldness raises one's risk for... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the symptoms of baldness?
-
The most common type of baldness is androgenetic baldness, also known as pattern baldness. This type of baldness results from hereditary predisposition and appears to be related to the hormone dihydrotestosterone. In men, it is characterized by a... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is baldness?
-
Baldness is a spectrum of conditions involving excessive loss of hair from the scalp. Baldness, also sometimes referred to as alopecia, can arise for a variety of reasons. People of any age group can exhibit hair loss. The treatment approach to baldness... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Will I grow out of my baldness?
-
Hereditary pattern baldness can begin to cause hair loss any time after puberty and typically progresses with advancing age. So, if you are experiencing hair loss of an androgenetic nature, it is unlikely that your symptoms will improve or disappear as... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is there a vaccine for baldness?
-
Generally speaking, vaccines are useful in guarding against viral illnesses. Most forms of baldness, including hereditary pattern baldness, are not related to viral infection. Thus, no vaccine is available for immunization against any forms of baldness,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is baldness serious?
-
Baldness in itself is not a serious condition, however, it can be indicative of other underlying conditions such as certain infections, endocrine disorders, inflammatory processes or side effects of treatments of diseases like cancer. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is there a cure for baldness?
-
Baldness of a non-hereditary nature may potentially be treated successfully. However, most baldness is hereditary in nature. While several treatment options such as minoxidil, finesteride, and hair transplantation surgery may slow or hide this form of... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the rate of incidence of baldness?
-
Hereditary pattern baldness is a common cause of hair loss in both men and women. However, men are much more likely than women to sustain hair loss as a result of pattern baldness. It is estimated that hereditary pattern baldness effects up to 50 percent... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with baldness?
-
Caring for someone with baldness does not typically require any special training or equipment. In the event of reactive baldness related to some other underlying process, care should be directed by a qualified healthcare professional. Caring for someone... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my baldness symptoms?
-
Baldness can result from a variety of factors other than heredity, including diseases, infections, chemical exposure, and medical treatment of known illnesses. Therefore, new onset hair loss should be discussed with and evaluated by your doctor. In... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
