The average human scalp loses about 100 strands of hair per day. This hair loss is normal and represents a very small potion of the strands present on the scalp. Sometimes hair loss becomes excessive and may affect the entire head (diffuse hair loss) or patches (focal hair loss). There are several different types and patterns of hair loss which is collectively known as alopecia or commonly as balding. The loss may be partial or complete, either temporary or permanent, and can extend to areas beyond the scalp. The most common cause of balding is androgenetic alopecia which affects both men and women. It affects almost half of all men and may be just as prevalent among women over the age of 40 years old. Typically the first evidence of hair loss may be present from as early as the 30s and just continue, often gradually, over years and decades. What is androgenetic alopecia? Picture from Wikimedia Commons Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or androgenic alopecia is a hereditary pattern of hair loss associated with the action of the male hormones (androgens). It is commonly known as pattern baldness or more specifically as male-pattern hair loss or female-pattern hair loss depending on … Continue reading Androgenetic Alopecia (Male-Pattern and Female-Pattern Balding)