Alopecia is actually the medical term for thinning or loss of hair. It has many causes (not just hereditary) and therefore the chosen treatment should deal with the root of the condition. Though there are instances where removal of hair is sought, alopecia hair loss is involuntary. Read along on the causes of alopecia hair loss to better understand the condition.
The number one type is called androgenetic alopecia due to its frequency of appearance. Studies show that as early as age 25, 5 to 15 American males experience this condition. Basing from the term, “androgenetic,” this type of hair loss is highly associated with the level of androgens and the genetic makeup of an individual. The androgen hormones are present in both male and female which means that this type of hair loss affects both sexes. Moreover, you are more at risk of alopecia hair loss if it runs in your family, especially if you observe your mother’s father to be baldy.
The second most common cause of alopecia hair loss is called telogen effluvium. In layman’s term it is hair loss triggered by stress. Instant weight loss, major changes in life, surgical operations, and everything else that cause you to terribly worry can be the reason that you are suffering from loss of hair. The reason your hair thins during stress is that your hair follicles will just let go if your hair and then refuse regrowth. The probable thought behind why your follicles refuse new strands to grow in replacement is that a stressed body believes that the remaining energy should be used in more pressing matters (like stress) rather than the hair.
Another type is called alopecia aerate. This is believed to be an autoimmune condition wherein the disease is due to overly active immune system that attacks your own body and heals by itself as well. This type of alopecia has to kinds: Alopecia totalis, which is the loss of all hair in your scalp, and alopecia universalis, which is the loss of all body hair. Though people suffering this condition “regrow” their hair in time, a lot are reported to have reoccurrences.
Hair loss could also be a side effect of the chemicals we take. This is called anagen effluvium. Drugs such as those for chemotherapy, those that treat hypertension, gout, and others are known to cause loss of hair. Sometimes, harsh chemicals like those that are used to perm hair, affects hair follicles.
Moreover, alopecia hair loss can be a symptom of some diseases, disappearing only when the underlying cause is treated. Such of these are lupus, secondary syphilis, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and others.
Lastly, there are two voluntary mechanisms that cause alopecia. One is called traction alopecia because excessive pulling such as tight ponytails, braiding, use of hot hair irons, etc causes the loss of hair. The second is called trichotillomania where the person has a psychological compulsion to individually pull his healthy hair.
Now you know that alopecia hair loss is not hereditary only but there is a wide array of reasons why the condition exists.
