Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition which may be a consequence of natural aging, a side effect of medication, or a manifestation of a health disorder. It can result in total baldness, thinning of the hair, or patchy bald spots and may be confined to the scalp or affect other areas of the body.
Hair loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. Some of the causes of hair loss include: male pattern baldness, fungal infections of the scalp, decreased protein intake, weight loss, certain medications, traumatic stress, compulsive hair-pulling,thyroid or pituitary diseases, autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or polycystic ovary syndrome, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, alopecia areata, or an autoimmune disorder. Causes may be multi-factoral and treatments may include therapy for the underlying condition, supplements, intralesional kenalog, medications, or hair transplantation.