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People lose hair as they get older or because of things like stress or medical problems. The medical word for hair loss is alopecia (say "al-uh-PEE-shuh").

The most common type of hair loss is genetic. It's called male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss. Men generally get bald spots on the scalp above the forehead or on the top of the head. In women, the hair on the top of the head thins out.

Other types of hair loss can cause hair thinning or clumps of hair to fall out.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.