Androgentic Alopecia (AGA)

Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPH) or Male Pattern Baldness (MPB), is the most common type of hair loss seen in both men and women. Dominant for men and recessive for women, the hair is genetically programmed to gradually fall out. 1 in 4 women experience Androgentic Alopecia and often see hair loss happening on the top of the head and frontal hairline, and sometimes seen on the sides of the head as well. Although this condition tends to be more common post menopause, it can begin as early as puberty.

Hair loss occurs when shedding hair is not replaced with new hair regrowth or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. It is believed that this type of hair loss is caused by the hormone Testosterone. Testosterone is present in all bodies; however, Estrogen usually protects the body against the effects of Testosterone. In Female Pattern Hair loss, Dehydrotestosterone (DHT) interferes with the hair follicle, causing it to degenerate (resulting in thinner hair with a lighter pigmentation), and finally, to wither and die, producing no hair at all.

For those predisposed to hereditary hair loss, Androgentic Alopecia can be accelerated by a stressful emotional or physiological event. Hair loss as a response to a specific event is known as Telogen Effluvium (Reactional Hair Loss). Examples of reactional hair loss include postpartum hair loss, hair loss due to illness or surgery, and hair loss as a result of trauma or emotional stress.

Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis
(Non-Scarring)

Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis are autoimmune disorders where the affected hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by a person’s own immune system (white blood cells), resulting in the arrest of the hair growth stage. Alopecia Areata usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss known as Alopecia Totalis or complete body hair loss known as Alopecia Universalis.

Autoimmune forms of Alopecia occur in males and females of all ages and races; however, onset most often begins in childhood and can be psychologically devastating. Although not life-threatening, Autoimmune Alopecia is most certainly life-altering, and its sudden onset, recurrent episodes, and unpredictable course of progression have a profound psychological impact on the lives of those disrupted by this disease.

Some people develop only a few bare patches that regrow hair within a year (Alopecia Areata). In others, extensive patchy hair loss occurs, and in a few, all scalp hair is lost (Alopecia Totalis), or hair is lost from the entire scalp and body (Alopecia Universalis). No matter how widespread the hair loss, the hair follicles remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal. In all cases, hair regrowth may occur even without treatment and even after many years.

Visit www.naaf.org or www.canaaf.org for more information on Alopecia.