Hair Loss Science

The word "Alopecia" is the medical term for hair loss. Alopecia does not refer to one specific hair loss disease -- any form of hair loss is Alopecia. Alopecia can be caused by many factors from genetics to the environment. While Androgenetic Alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) is by far the most common form of hair loss, dermatologists also see many people with other forms of Alopecia.

Disease and Drug Treatment

Several hundred diseases have hair loss as a primary symptom. Many commonly prescribed prescription drugs can cause temporary hair loss, trigger the onset of male and female pattern baldness, and even cause permanent hair loss. Your doctor may not mention hair loss as a side effect of some drugs, so don't forget to do your own research and talk to your pharmacist before you fill a prescription.