Hair loss

Most cases of thinning hair are an inherited problem due to the male hormone androgen (AN-droh-jin). This common form of hair loss is called pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia (al-oh-PEE-shuh). However, there are many possible causes of hair loss, including stressful events like surgery, serious illness, and childbirth; thyroid gland imbalances; and various medicines such as blood thinners, birth control pills, and chemotherapy drugs. Habitually wearing the hair in a tightly braided or pulled back style can also lead to traction alopecia. These types of hair loss are usually temporary and re-growth typically occurs when the underlying condition is treated or the medication is stopped. Another form of hair loss produces small, round, bald patches and is known as alopecia areata (ar-ee-AY-tuh). Thought to be an autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata usually reverses itself within six to 24 months. Pattern baldness is a chronic condition and so far, the only proven, FDA- (F-D-A) approved methods for treating it are minoxodil (mih-NAWKS-oh-dihl) and Propecia® (proh-PEE-shuh). These drugs may slow hair loss or help grow limited quantities of new hair. Minoxodil is a topical solution and only works on certain people. Propecia is a tablet for men only and seems to be more effective than minoxodil.