Alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia

Signs & Symptoms 

• Alopecia Areata: Sudden, smooth, round patches of hair loss. 

• Androgenetic Alopecia: Gradual thinning at the crown or hairline in men; overall thinning at the top of the scalp in women. 

What Causes It 

• Alopecia Areata: The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. 

• Androgenetic Alopecia: A combination of hormones and genetics gradually shrinks hair follicles. 

What a Doctor Looks For 

• The pattern of hair loss, hair thickness, scalp condition, and sometimes nail changes. 

Helpful Tests 

• Usually no tests needed. 

• Occasionally blood work if other autoimmune conditions are suspected. 

Treatment Options 

• Medications that help hair regrow (such as steroid injections for patches, or minoxidil). 

• Oral medications for androgen-driven hair loss. 

• Low-level light therapy, scalp-soothing treatments, or nutritional support. 

• Stress-reduction techniques are often very helpful.