Alopecia Areata Causes Unveiled: Gender-Specific Factors Explored

Alopecia areata is a condition that affects millions. It is characterized by hair falling out in patches. Over time, these patches connect and cover a larger surface area to become more noticeable. The condition affects males and females both. However, what causes alopecia areata in males, and what are its causes in females? Let’s delve into alopecia areata causes in both genders.

What is Alopecia Areata?

It is an autoimmune disease, causing patchy hair loss anywhere on the body. However, it mostly affects the scalp in different ways, depending on the amount of hair you lose. The types of alopecia areata include the following.

• Alopecia Areata Totalis: It involves losing all your hair on the scalp.
• Alopecia Areata Universalis: You lose all the scalp and body hair.
• Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Hair thins instead of falling in patches.
• Ophiasis Alopecia Areata: The hair band is lost on the bottom back sides of your scalp.

While you’ve now seen the types of alopecia areata, let’s look at alopecia areata causes in males and females. The causative factors of this condition are the same in males and females. However, specific conditions within those factors may differ.

Alopecia Areata Causes in Males

Generally speaking, patchy hair loss happens when the blood cells attack the cells in the hair follicles. It causes them to shrink and slow down hair production. Experts are yet to figure out why exactly the body’s immune system targets the hair follicles as it does in alopecia areata. Nevertheless, let’s look at some common factors that lead to this condition in males.

• Hormonal Changes: In men, androgens like testosterone affect hair growth patterns. Androgens are usually associated with male pattern baldness. However, the role of this condition is still being researched.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Males are less susceptible to autoimmune diseases. However, those suffering from other conditions like type 1 diabetes can contract alopecia areata.
• Emotional Stress: Psychological stress causes hair loss in men. However, the cultural context and the ways to deal with them may differ. These factors can lead to the progression of the condition.
• Health Conditions: People with vitiligo, thyroid, or type 1 diabetes are more vulnerable to developing alopecia areata.

Alopecia Areata Causes in Females

Here’s what can lead to alopecia areata in females.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or those due to the use of contraceptives can lead to alopecia areata.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Women are more prone to autoimmune diseases. Hence, they are more likely to develop alopecia areata.
• Hair Properties: Denser hair and different hair care practices might affect the visibility and progression of hair loss.
• Emotional Stress: Women may suffer more from psychological stress, thus worsening the condition.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid also increase the likelihood of alopecia areata.

Final Words

So, that was about the alopecia areata causes in females and men. After knowing the causes, you must be wondering about its treatment. Visit Reborn Clinic in Pune (Koregaon Park, Karve Road, and Baner) or Jaipur. Our experts will diagnose the condition and understand alopecia areata causes in females and males to prescribe the best-suited treatment to help you regain your confidence in the form of safe and healthy hair growth.