There are various reasons for hair loss. Some of the factors include:

• Hereditary-family history of alopecia increases the risk
• Hormonal changes-imbalances caused by pregnancy or menopause could lead to hair loss
• Medical conditions such as scalp infections, lichen planus, lupus, sarcoidosis, hair-pulling disorder, an autoimmune disorder
• Medications such as cancer drugs, intake of Vitamin A
• Radiation therapy to the head
• Stressful experiences such as sudden weight loss, surgery, high fever, loss of loved one-trigger hair loss
• Certain hairstyles that pull hair tightly
• Beauty treatments that could cause inflammation of the hair follicle

Risk factors which triggers hair loss include:

• Family history
• Age - more common among older people
• Poor nutrition
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus
• Stress

• Patients with alopecia areata are at increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, vitiligo
• Emotional issues such as depression

Treatment includes medications, surgery, laser therapy, wigs, and hairpieces.

Medication

Oral corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation. Used to treat autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata.

Prednisone

Antihypertensive vasodilator: Prevents further hair loss, and in some people, stimulates hair growth.

Minoxidil

Hormone modulators: For women, oral contraceptives or anti-androgens would be beneficial.

Spironolactone . Flutamide

5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Given to men for treating pattern baldness.

Finasteride