Alopecia and hair loss: types, causes and options
Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. When shedding is heavier, bald patches appear or hair thins, it is worth identifying the type of alopecia, because the treatment depends on it.
Educational information prepared by Dr. Belinda Martínez, physician and surgeon. Last updated: October 3, 2026. It does not replace an assessment by a doctor.
Most common types
| Type | How it presents | Main cause |
|---|---|---|
| Androgenetic alopecia | Receding hairline and crown in men; diffuse thinning at the center of the scalp in women | Genetic and hormonal predisposition |
| Telogen effluvium | Sudden, diffuse shedding, months after an event | Stress, fever, surgery, childbirth, very strict diets, iron deficiency or thyroid problems |
| Alopecia areata | Round bald patches | Autoimmune: the immune system attacks the hair follicle |
| Traction alopecia | Loss in areas where the hair is pulled | Sustained tight hairstyles |
| Scarring alopecias | Loss with redness, burning or scaling, and follicles that disappear | Inflammation that destroys the follicle; requires early assessment |
How it is diagnosed
It starts with the medical history (when it began, family history, medications, diet, stress) and an exam of the scalp, sometimes with a dermatoscope. Depending on the case, blood tests are ordered (iron, ferritin, thyroid, other hormones) and, occasionally, a biopsy.
The specialist who usually manages these conditions is the dermatologist; a general practitioner can provide guidance and order the first tests.
Management options by type
- Androgenetic alopecia: topical minoxidil, finasteride or dutasteride in men (as prescribed and with their possible side effects), other medications in women depending on the case, and hair transplant in selected cases.
- Telogen effluvium: treat the cause (iron deficiency, thyroid, stress); it usually resolves over time.
- Alopecia areata: topical or injected corticosteroids and, in extensive cases, other immunomodulating medications, including some JAK inhibitors approved for this use.
- Scarring alopecias: early treatment to stop the inflammation; hair already lost does not come back.
Platelet-rich plasma is being studied as a complementary option for androgenetic alopecia, with variable results and non-standardized protocols. Hair products with exosomes or growth factors still have limited evidence.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical care soon if you have any of these signs:
- Sudden hair loss in patches.
- Redness, burning, pain or scaling on the scalp.
- Heavy shedding with fatigue, weight gain or loss, or changes in your period.
- Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes along with scalp hair.
Frequently asked questions
How many hairs is it normal to lose per day?
Between 50 and 100 is typical. Heavier, sustained shedding, or a change in hair density, deserves an assessment.
Can alopecia be cured?
It depends on the type. Some, such as telogen effluvium, resolve when the cause is treated; others, such as androgenetic alopecia, are controlled with ongoing treatment; and scarring types leave permanent loss if not treated early.
Does stress cause alopecia?
It can trigger diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium), which usually appears about 2 to 3 months after the event and improves over time.
Book your free assessment
Dr. Belinda Martínez reviews your case at her office in Guadalajara. The assessment is free of charge and does not commit you to any treatment.
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This content is informational and educational; it is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. If you have any symptoms, consult a health professional.