Hair Loss - Glossary

Glossary

Hair Follicles: Shafts or openings on the surface of the skin through which hair grows.

Alopecia: Hair loss.

Alopecia Areata: Alopecia Areata is the medical term for hair loss which occurs in patches on the scalp.

Androgens: A family of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

Autoimmunity: The failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as "self", which results in an immune response against its own cells and tissues, thereby resulting in destruction of its own tissues.

PCO (Polycystic Ovaries): Endocrine disorder characterized by multiple ovarian cysts and menstrual irregularities.

Finasteride: A drug used to reduce the amount of male hormone (testosterone) produced by the body.