Androgenic Alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. It is also known as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, respectively. It is the most common form of hair loss and is generally the type of hair loss people think of when they think of hair loss.
This form of hair loss tends to result in a gradual thinning of hair that results in recognizable patterns. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help those affected make informed decisions about their hair health and what options they may wish to take.
What Are the Causes of Androgenic Alopecia?
The most common cause of androgenic alopecia is a little understood genetic predisposition for inherited hair loss. It can be affected to some degree by other external factors such as diet, stress, smoking, and other environmental impacts.
Researchers have determined a connection between this kind of hair loss and a group of hormones called androgens, primarily dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgens are a normal part of sexual development before birth and during puberty and, in all genders, it helps regulate hair growth and sex drive. Androgens help control the cycle of hair growth, though too much stimulation of the hair follicles by the androgens can lead to shorter growth periods.
What Triggers Androgenic Alopecia?
Research has confirmed that mutations within the AR gene are involved in androgenic alopecia. It is the gene responsible for creating proteins called androgen receptors that allow the body to respond correctly to DHT and other androgens. While androgenic alopecia is concerned with the connection between androgens and hair growth, it is unclear how changes in the ARgene increase the risk of hair loss.
Also, while having a solid understanding of one’s family history may be of some value, the expression of hair loss is so varied it is not always a predictor of how advanced an individual’s hair loss will be.
What Does Androgenic Alopecia Look Like?
Among men, androgenic alopecia hair loss forms a characteristic “M” shape that generally begins above the temples before receding and progressions to either partial or complete baldness. In women, the hair thins on top to create a wider middle part and/or general overall thinning. The hairline does not generally recede and rarely leads to complete baldness.
Can Androgenic Alopecia Be Reversed?
While there is no specific cure, androgenic alopecia treatment can include things that slow the progression and stimulate hair growth. Medications such as minoxidil and finasteride are commonly prescribed to encourage hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp and managing DHT levels in the body.
A more permanent solution is hair transplant surgery. A professional can transfer healthy hair follicles resistant to DHT to balding areas of the scalp, and once the area heals it will continue to grow hair normally.
Rothesay Laser & Hair Clinic Has Solutions for Hair Loss
At Rothesay Laser & Hair Clinic, we offer surgical and non-surgical hair restoration treatments. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a visit. Let us help you on your journey to a fuller, natural head of hair.
