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Baldness - Hair Loss

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Hair loss can occur as thinning hair or complete baldness. The hair loss may be on the head or any other part of the body that normally has hair, such as the eyebrows.

What is going on in the body?

There are many causes of hair loss. The most common form of hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, in which hair is lost from the front and top of the scalp. Other types of hair loss can create different patterns. Treatment depends on the type and cause of baldness.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Hair loss can be due to:

male pattern baldness, the most common type of hair loss, which is usually inherited from one of the parents

inflammation of the scalp, which can cause patchy hair loss and is often treatable

medications, such as chemotherapy

radiation therapy of the head, usually to treat cancer

infections, such as a fungal infection of the scalp or a sexually transmitted disease called Treponema pallidum\ bacteria. Less often, syphilis is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby. This form of syphilis is known as \congenital syphilis.\ ',CAPTION,'Syphilis');" onmouseout="return nd();"> syphilis

trauma to the hair or scalp, which may include certain hairstyles that constantly pull on the hair, such as tight braids

Certain diseases can also cause the condition:

low levels of iron in the body, which may also cause anemia, or a low red blood cell count

hypothyroidism, which is a condition caused by low levels of thyroid hormones

systemic lupus erythematosus, a bodywide disease that attacks many organ systems

very rarely, cancer

Female pattern baldness usually causes thinning of the hair on the top and sides of the head. Some causes of female pattern baldness are:

stress, including emotional stress, surgery, illness, or rapid weight change

hormonal changes, including those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or use of oral contraceptives

hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, which is a low level of thyroid hormone

some medications, such as those used for gout and high blood pressure

high levels of vitamin A

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