Female diffuse alopecia : gradual thinning of hair, especially on the top of the head although the hairline generally remains intact. Female diffuse alopecia progresses more slowly than male pattern baldness because of the small amount of male hormones in a woman's body. A hormone imbalance may make the problem worse. Temporary hair loss may result from any shock to the body's systems, including starvation, systemic infection, childbirth, thyroid or immunologic disorders, drugs (especially chemotherapy for cancer), or stress. Hair follicles can be destroyed permanently by scarring from burns, severe scalp infections, X-ray therapy, or skin disorders. Damage may also result from tight hairstyles over a long period of time, chemical treatments such as hair colouring or permanents, or the habitual pulling out of the hair.