Hair Loss Symptoms

Hair Loss Symptoms are varied. They depend on they several factors: age, gender and what is causing the hair loss. Men typically begin to lose their hair around the temples and forehead. In fact, the hairline may go back so far that only hair remaining is on the sides where the ears are and in the back of the head. The hair may also simply thin out in general. The loss can start anytime between the teens and 40's. This is called androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. It's hereditary. In women, hereditary hair loss may look a little different.

The hair tends to thin out just at the temples, crown or sides. The next type of hair loss is called alopecia areata. This is where the immune system attacks the follicles. Hair loss of this nature is categorized by round, quarter sized smooth patches. The patches can appear anywhere on the body that usually has hair, not just the scalp. Sometimes, the loss of hair can be very sudden. It could come out in handfuls while washing or combing. This usually happens when a person has been under a significant amount of stress. The stress could be mental or physical.

Pregnancy, surgery, and even medications have been known to cause such an event. The same goes for hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues. Physical stress placed directly on the hair have been known to cause many people, particularly women, to lose their hair. The symptoms are patterned after the type of trauma inflicted. Chemical processes can damage to the follicles making them weaker and thus more susceptible to breakage. The same goes for excessive heat and pulling. If the scalp has been damaged or burned in any way, there will be bald patches.

There are times when the symptoms of hair loss aren't as pronounced, or seem to cover more than one type of hair loss. Maybe there are a variety of events taking place and there is an uncertainty of what is causing the hair loss symptoms. Consult your physician as soon as possible. The sooner the cause is discovered, the sooner the hair loss can be stopped or even reversed.