US Medical Term · symptoms
Hair Loss
Pérdida de cabello
Also: Caída del cabello (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Hair Loss |
| Spanish (Español) | Pérdida de cabello |
| Chinese (中文) | 脫髮 |
| Korean (한국어) | 탈모 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Rụng tóc |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Paglagas ng buhok |
| Portuguese (Português) | Queda de cabelo |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ผมร่วง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 脱毛 |
What it means
Hair loss, also called alopecia, refers to losing more hair than usual from the scalp or other parts of the body. Some hair shedding is normal, but excessive loss can be distressing. Common causes include hereditary pattern baldness, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, and certain medications including chemotherapy agents. Stress and poor nutrition can also contribute. See a doctor if you notice rapid hair thinning, bald patches, or hair loss across the scalp, so the underlying cause can be identified and treated.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been losing a lot of hair when I shower and brush my hair.
He estado perdiendo mucho cabello cuando me baño y me peino.
I noticed a bald patch on the top of my head.
Noté una mancha sin cabello en la parte superior de mi cabeza.
My hair is much thinner than it used to be.
Mi cabello es mucho más delgado que antes.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
L65 Other nonscarring hair lossRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026