Alopecia Hair Loss
Alopecia is a common condition affecting around one in five Australians and is most common in men. It presents in various forms and can occasionally be the first symptom of a systemic illness. In most cases, however, hair loss is hereditary and a normal part of ageing. This page covers alopecia symptoms and causes, the different types of hair loss, and the treatment options available.
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Comprehensive Blood Testing
Australian Medical Doctors
Comprehensive Blood Testing
Your hair loss journey starts with an informed conversation.
Our multidisciplinary team may use technology alongside blood testing to help build a clear picture of your hair health. From your first consultation, we work with you to understand the cause of your hair loss and discuss what treatment options may be appropriate for your individual situation.
What Is Alopecia?
Hair loss (alopecia) refers to the slowing rate of hair growth, hair thinning, excessive hair shedding, or the inability to replace lost hair.
Symptoms of Alopecia
The appearance of hair loss depends on the cause, and it can present as scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or full body hair loss (alopecia universalis). The onset of hair loss can be sudden or gradual, with symptoms that include:
- Loss of hair on top of the head
- Hair follicle loosening, making the hair easy to pull out
- Full-body hair loss during medical treatment, such as chemotherapy
- Formation of circular bald spots, which may be painful or itchy
Persistent hair loss can affect your appearance and may indicate an underlying illness. If you are not taking any medications or receiving treatment that may result in hair loss or scalp irritation, schedule a consultation with our hair loss specialist, who can conduct blood tests and a scalp assessment to help determine the cause.
Causes of Alopecia
Various factors can cause alopecia, including:
- Hereditary conditions, such as androgenic alopecia
- Hormonal changes due to thyroid disease, pregnancy, and menopause
- Physiological and psychological conditions, such as scalp infection and trichotillomania
- Medications, including warfarin, atorvastatin, and amiodarone
- Emotional or physical shock due to a stressful event
- Radiation therapy
- Unhealthy hair treatments or the use of unregulated hair products
The cause of hair loss determines the type of alopecia and the most appropriate treatment approach.
Types of Alopecia
Before discussing treatment options, a hair loss specialist will assess the type of hair loss based on symptoms, possible causes, and results from blood tests.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when white blood cells attack the cells in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and slow hair production. It is not fully understood why white blood cells target hair follicles, but evidence suggests alopecia areata has a genetic component and is not directly caused by stress.
Alopecia areata affects both men and women and presents as patchy hair loss on the scalp, beard, or eyelashes. Before losing hair, some people experience a burning sensation or itching in the affected area. Conventional treatments for alopecia areata include corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), among others.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium disrupts the hair cycle, resulting in hair thinning or shedding periods of six months or longer. This condition affects more women than men but generally does not result in hair loss of more than 50%. Women with telogen effluvium typically notice more hair on their hairbrush, pillow, or in the shower drain.
Triggers that can disrupt the hair cycle and cause telogen effluvium include:
- Hormonal changes due to childbirth, puberty, and menopause
- Chronic stress
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Underlying conditions, such as thyroid gland problems
- Sudden weight loss
- Metal toxicity
The appropriate treatment for telogen effluvium depends on the cause. Options may include hormone replacement therapy, dietary adjustments, hair transplants, and PRP. If you are unsure whether your hair loss constitutes telogen effluvium, schedule a hair health assessment at one of our clinics.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair. Women who frequently wear their hair in tight ponytails or buns may develop this condition. It typically presents as missing hair along the front and sides of the scalp, similar in appearance to female pattern hair loss.
Aggravating factors include repeated use of heat and chemical treatments. Other symptoms include bumps at the base of hairs and hair follicle inflammation.
Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia, is a form of genetic hair loss affecting more than 50% of all men over 50. Like alopecia areata, genetics play a role in male pattern hair loss, and it is associated with changes in androgen levels — the hormones that regulate hair growth.
Male pattern hair loss weakens the hair growth cycle in certain areas, causing follicles to shrink and produce finer hairs. Over time, the growth cycle ends and the follicles stop producing hair. Hair loss typically begins at the crown or temples, or presents as a receding hairline in the shape of an “M”.
Natural hair regrowth is generally not possible with male pattern hair loss without intervention. Treatment options include PRP therapy and hair transplantation, depending on the individual’s situation.
Female Pattern Baldness
Male and female pattern hair loss share similarities, but women typically experience hair loss in a different pattern. Women generally begin losing hair at the part line, and the hair at the temples may also start to thin. Female pattern hair loss is less common than male pattern hair loss, particularly before midlife.
Female pattern hair loss has hereditary causes and often occurs after menopause, suggesting hormones play a significant role. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, treatment may help support hair regrowth and address further hair loss.
Alopecia Treatment Options
Various treatments are available for hair loss. Options typically include medications, hair transplants, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair loss therapy, depending on the type and cause of alopecia.
A treatment that addresses the underlying cause of hair loss may also support hair regrowth. For example, if hair loss is due to hormonal changes, hormonal therapy may be the most appropriate starting point.
PRP is among the more commonly used non-surgical treatments for hair loss. It involves injecting the patient’s own platelets at a high concentration into the scalp, where the growth factors may help support follicle health and encourage hair regrowth. Some studies have reported observable results in patients within a few months of treatment, though individual outcomes vary.
Hair and Skin Science specialises in PRP and a range of other hair loss treatments. If you are experiencing hair loss and would like to explore your options, schedule a consultation at one of our clinics.