Alopecia: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

Alopecia: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

• April 16, 2025
• Dr Paul Spano

Last updated on April 16, 2025

Hair is more than just a feature of our appearance; it plays a significant role in self-expression and lifestyle. So, when hair starts to thin or fall out in patches, it can be distressing. One of the most common causes of hair loss is alopecia, an umbrella term for various types of hair loss conditions. But what exactly is alopecia, what causes it, what are the signs, and how can it be treated? Let’s dive into the details with the help of leading hair loss doctors in Melbourne.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia refers to hair loss that can occur anywhere on the body, but it primarily affects the scalp. It can be temporary or permanent and varies in severity from mild thinning to complete baldness. The most well-known type is alopecia areata, which causes patchy hair loss, but there are many other forms, including androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, and alopecia totalis, where all scalp hair is lost.

Types of Alopecia

• Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss.
• Androgenetic alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this is the most common type of hair loss and is linked to genetics and hormones.
• Alopecia totalis: A more severe form of alopecia areata that results in complete scalp hair loss.
• Alopecia universalis: The most extreme form, causing total loss of hair from the scalp and body.
• Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by excessive pulling or tension on the hair, often due to tight hairstyles.
• Scarring alopecia: A rare form that involves inflammation leading to permanent follicle damage and scarring.

Causes of Alopecia

Alopecia can stem from various factors, including genetics, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or external stressors that disrupt the natural hair growth cycle. Here’s a closer look at some common causes:

1. Genetics

For many people, hair loss runs in the family. Androgenetic alopecia is a hereditary condition that affects both men and women, causing gradual thinning and hair loss over time.

2. Autoimmune Disorders

Alopecia areata is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This can lead to sudden hair loss in patches, which may regrow or worsen over time.

3. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens, can contribute to hair loss. This is commonly seen in pregnancy, menopause, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

4. Stress and Trauma

Emotional stress, physical trauma, or a significant life event can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition that occurs when hair follicles enter a resting phase too soon.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin can weaken hair structure and contribute to hair thinning and loss.

6. Medical Conditions and Medications

Conditions such as thyroid disease, lupus, and diabetes can contribute to hair loss. Additionally, chemotherapy, certain medications, and steroid use can lead to temporary or permanent alopecia.

Symptoms of Alopecia

The symptoms of alopecia depend on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some key signs of alopecia to watch out for:

• Sudden or gradual hair loss
• Patchy bald spots on the scalp or body
• Thinning hair, particularly at the crown or hairline
• Exclamation mark hairs, short, broken hairs at the edges of bald patches
• Redness, irritation, or itching in cases of scarring alopecia
• Complete loss of hair from the scalp or body in severe cases

How to Treat Alopecia

The right treatment for alopecia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. While some cases resolve on their own, others require medical intervention. Here are some of the most effective hair loss treatments and methods available:

1. Medications

• Over-the-counter topical treatments that stimulate hair growth and are commonly used for androgenetic alopecia.
• Prescription medication that blocks DHT, a hormone linked to male pattern baldness.
• Medication used to suppress the immune system in cases of alopecia areata, often administered as injections, creams, or oral tablets.
• Certain medications currently being tested show promise for severe alopecia areata by targeting immune responses.

2. Light Therapy

Low-level laser therapy has been shown to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density in cases of pattern baldness.

3. Plasma Growth Factor Therapy

This involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the scalp to promote hair regrowth and repair damaged follicles. Our solution, Liquid Hair Therapy, is the gold standard for hair growth and health for men and women.

4. Hair Transplantation

For permanent hair loss, solutions such as follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) can restore hair permanently by transplanting healthy follicles from donor areas. With experienced doctors, hair transplants look natural, with thick, healthy growth.

5. Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical solution that uses micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp, mimicking the appearance of natural hair follicles.

6. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Alopecia caused by nutritional deficiencies can often be reversed by ensuring a balanced diet rich in iron, biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, and exercise can also improve hair health.

7. Wigs and Hairpieces

For those with extensive hair loss, wigs, hairpieces, and scalp concealers offer a practical and confidence-boosting solution.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience sudden, unexplained hair loss, it’s best to speak to a doctor or dermatologist. Early intervention can improve treatment outcomes and help diagnose any underlying medical conditions contributing to hair loss.

Managing Alopecia: What You Can Do Today

Alopecia is a complex condition with various causes, symptoms, and treatment options. While some forms of hair loss are temporary and reversible, others may require long-term management. The good news is that advancements in medical and cosmetic treatments provide hope for those struggling with hair loss. If you’re concerned about alopecia, seeking professional advice from experienced doctors can help you explore the best treatment options suited to your needs. Contact us for a hair loss consultation in Melbourne.

FAQs

What are the first signs of alopecia?

Alopecia often begins with small bald patches on the scalp or excessive hair shedding. Some may notice thinning hair, a receding hairline, or increased hair loss when brushing or washing. If you experience sudden or unusual hair loss, it’s best to seek professional advice early to explore early treatment options for women and men including Liquid Hair Therapy and medication before it progresses and hair loss becomes permanent. Contact us for a consultation today!

How long does it take for alopecia treatments to work?

Treatment timelines vary depending on the cause and type of alopecia. Some treatments, like medications or plasma growth factor therapy, may take a few months before noticeable results appear. Hair transplants for men and women provide more immediate results, with full growth visible after 6-12 months. Consulting a hair loss clinic in Melbourne will help determine the best treatment plan for you – get a FREE quote today.

Is alopecia permanent?

Some forms of alopecia, such as androgenetic alopecia, can be progressive, requiring ongoing treatment. Others, like alopecia areata or stress-induced hair loss, may be temporary and reversible with proper care. The key is early diagnosis and a personalised treatment approach to maximise hair regrowth potential. Medical hair growth treatments help support hair follicle regeneration and recovery, while hair transplants deliver permanent hair restoration. Look at our before and after hair transplant photos to see real results from real patients.

Can alopecia affect eyebrows and eyelashes?

Yes, certain types of alopecia, such as alopecia areata and alopecia universalis, can cause hair loss on the eyebrows, eyelashes, beards and other body hair. Treatments like growth factor therapy and topical solutions can help regrow lost hair, while a beard transplant or eyebrow transplant will deliver permanent, thicker growth. If you’re experiencing this type of hair loss, seeking medical advice is the best step forward.