Hair Loss & Hair Thinning

Types, Causes & Differences in Men & Women

Hair loss and hair thinning refer to the gradual decrease in the amount of hair on the scalp and other areas of the body. There are many different conditions that can cause hair loss and hair thinning, including:

Androgenetic alopecia:

This is the most common type of hair loss and is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. It affects both men and women, although it is more common in men. In men, it typically presents as a receding hairline and balding at the crown, while in women, it causes diffuse thinning over the entire scalp.

Telogen effluvium:

This is a type of temporary hair loss that occurs when the normal hair growth cycle is disrupted, causing a large number of hairs to enter the shedding phase at the same time. Telogen effluvium can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, pregnancy, and certain medications.

Alopecia areata:

This is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. It affects both men and women and can develop at any age.

Scarring alopecia:

This is a type of hair loss that occurs when scar tissue forms on the scalp, preventing hair from growing. Scarring alopecia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including fungal infections, lichen planus, and lupus.

Hormonal imbalances:

Hormonal imbalances, such as an overproduction of androgens or an underproduction of thyroid hormones, can cause hair loss and thinning.

Nutritional deficiencies:

A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and biotin, can contribute to hair loss and thinning.

Men vs Women

Hair loss and hair thinning can affect both men and women, but the patterns of hair loss and the underlying causes can differ between the sexes. For example, androgenetic alopecia is more common in men, while telogen effluvium is more common in women. Hormonal imbalances can also cause different patterns of hair loss in men and women.

It's important to seek the advice of a hair and scalp specialist or trichologist if you are experiencing hair loss or thinning, as early treatment can help slow or prevent further hair loss and improve the health of your hair and scalp.