09 / 13 / 17

September is Alopecia Awareness Month - How Much Do You Know About Hair Loss?

Half of all men over the age of 50 and 40% of all middle-aged women suffer hair loss. Alopecia is the medical term used to describe hair loss from the head and/or body that can sometimes progress to complete baldness. Alopecia takes several different forms and can be attributed to several causes.

Alopecia Areata

In Alopecia Areata, hair loss is caused by an autoimmune condition (where your own immune system attacks hair follicles and suppresses or stops hair growth). It manifests as one or more small, round, smooth bald patches. It's a fairly common condition affecting one in every 1,000 people, and is often caused by severe or prolonged periods of stress such as overwork, family problems, a major illness, etc. The disease affects different people in different ways, but hair typically grows back on its own within a year or so. A person with Alopecia Areata Totalis loses all his or her hair, both on the scalp, face (beard, eyebrows, and eyelashes) and elsewhere on the body.

Androgenic Alopecia

The more casual term, "male pattern baldness" is often used to describe Androgenic Alopecia, which affects men as a result of changes in the male hormone androgen. Androgenic Alopecia causes a receding hairline and baldness on the crown of the head.

Female Pattern Baldness or Hair Loss

Although hair loss is upsetting to many men, it can be particularly difficult for a woman to experience hair loss or balding. Hair is typically lost both in the front and throughout the crown of the head. Female hair loss is sometimes caused by hormonal changes.

Unintentionally Self-Inflicted Hair Loss

Hair styles that pull hair very tight, when worn regularly, can lead to Traction Alopecia and is actually hair loss as a result of pulling hair out by the roots! In addition, certain beauty treatments such as perms, straightening solutions, hair dyes, and others contain harsh chemicals that can cause hair loss in some people, and Trichotillomania, is hair loss caused by nervous and obsessive (repetitive) hair pulling.

Chemotherapy Caused Hair Loss

Nearly everyone is familiar with this type of hair loss. A cancer diagnosis is difficult enough without also suffering hair loss. Nonetheless, hair loss is an all too common side effect of the strong drugs used to destroy cancer cells in the body.

Pregnancy or Hormone-Related Hair Loss

Some women experience problems with thinning hair following their baby's delivery, a condition that may persist for a few months as hormones fluctuate and begin returning to pre-pregnancy levels. Hormonal changes triggered by menopause can also cause hair loss, as can other endocrine disorders.

Solutions

Although hair loss for any reason is upsetting, it's important to know that solutions to the problem do exist, and that it's not something that you just have to "live with", even if it turns out to be a permanent condition. Science has caught up with the problem of hair loss and if you see a professional in hair restoration, you'll absolutely be able to find an answer that will work for you!

Hair Professionals, serving West Palm Beach, Florida and the surrounding region, will work one-on-one with you to go over your options and develop a solution that works for you. In operation since 1997, the clinic has become renowned in for its progressive approach to hair restoration for men, women and children.

At Hair Professionals, consultations are confidential, and when you leave, you'll leave with a plan of action and new hope. We offer specials (see our website) including a free scalp and hair analysis.

September is Alopecia Awareness Month. If you or someone you know and care about has Alopecia, know that there are options -- real options -- for treating the condition. If you're in the West Palm Beach area, don't wait -- contact us today!