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Alopecia

By , About.com Guide

Updated July 30, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Alopecia is typical in men as part of the normal aging process; this may sometimes occur in women as well.

In women, alopecia is usually a result of genetics, hormonal changes, aging, or sometimes, because of a disease process. Women with PCOS sometimes lose their hair in the typical male pattern because of the elevated levels of androgens.

Also Known As: hair loss, baldness

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