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Correct Answer: abnormal amounts of male hormones
alopecia, commonly known as hair loss, can affect both men and women and may result from various factors. the causes of alopecia typically include genetics, medical treatments, hormonal imbalances, and certain health conditions. each cause affects the hair growth cycle or the scalp differently, leading to temporary or permanent hair loss.
radiation and chemotherapy are well-known treatments for cancer that often result in alopecia. these therapies target rapidly dividing cancer cells but also affect healthy cells, including those responsible for hair growth. as a result, hair follicles can become damaged, leading to hair loss, which is usually temporary but can be distressing for those undergoing treatment.
poor nutrition can also lead to alopecia. a diet lacking in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for healthy hair growth, like iron, protein, and vitamins b and d, can cause hair to fall out. when the body is undernourished, it prioritizes vital functions at the expense of hair growth, resulting in alopecia.
hereditary factors are a common cause of alopecia. genetic predisposition to conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, plays a significant role. this type of alopecia is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair, which follows a predictable pattern and is influenced by hormonal levels and genetic susceptibility.
however, the presence of abnormal amounts of male hormones, or androgens, typically does not cause alopecia. instead, it leads to a condition known as hirsutism, which is characterized by an excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern — on the face, chest, and back of women. while androgens are involved in typical cases of male pattern baldness due to genetic sensitivity of hair follicles, merely having abnormal levels of these hormones without other contributing factors is not a direct cause of alopecia. instead, these hormone levels more commonly contribute to excessive hair growth rather than hair loss.
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