What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can have many causes, but the most common cause of permanent hair loss in both men and women is genetics. This hereditary form of hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia and includes male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss.
With hereditary hair loss, susceptible hair follicles gradually become smaller through a process called miniaturization. Over time, the affected follicles produce hairs that are finer, shorter and less visible. The pattern and progression can differ between men and women and from one person to another.
Not all hair loss is genetic. Hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, medications, significant physical or emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies and some scalp conditions can also contribute to shedding or thinning. Hairstyles that repeatedly place tension on the hair can cause another form of hair loss known as traction alopecia.
Because there are different types and causes of hair loss, identifying what may be contributing to your thinning is an important first step before considering treatment.
At Leonard Hair Transplant Associates, Chief Hair Restoration Surgeon Dr. Matthew Lopresti evaluates men and women experiencing hair loss and discusses which surgical or non-surgical hair restoration options may be appropriate based on the individual.