Many factors can contribute to temporary hair loss, including stress, childbirth, birth control pills, high fever, excessive hair-styling treatments, inadequate protein or iron in the diet, underactive or overactive thyroid, and some cancer treatments. See your doctor to determine whether an underlying condition is causing abnormal hair loss. Such conditions are often treatable. The cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it is not usually associated with other health problems. In most cases, the hair grows back within 6 to 24 months.
Pattern baldness is largely hereditary, and while it has several treatments, there is no cure.
Treatment Two drugs, minoxidil and finasteride, have been approved by the FDA for regrowing hair lost to pattern baldness or preventing further hair loss. Minoxidil is marketed as Rogaine and as a generic. Minoxidil is a liquid that is rubbed into the scalp twice daily. Its effectiveness varies. Generally about 25 percent of men and 20 percent of women experience some hair regrowth with regular-strength minoxidil.