A Complete Guide to Androgenetic Alopecia
Many people experience hair loss, medically known as Alopecia. Hair loss comes in a variety of different patterns.
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a genetically inherited disorder due to excessive response to androgens.
It is also known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and Female Pattern Baldness (FPB).
It is characterized by a receding hairline (making an “M” shape), thinning at the top of the head, and is caused by hormones.
The pattern of hair loss in females is different than in males.
In females, the hair starts thinning all over the head, but the hairline doesn’t recede.
Androgenetic Alopecia is treatable under complete supervision.
However, make sure to consult your doctor before taking any medications.
Continue reading to learn more about Androgenetic Alopecia, its symptoms, and various treatments.
The synonym ‘male-pattern hair loss’ highlights that hair loss occurs in a defined and reproducible pattern.
Hair loss results in reduced self-esteem, confidence, and anxiety in affected men. Effective treatment for hair baldness would be desirable”.
Symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia
The symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia differ for males and females.
In males, Androgenetic Alopecia is determined by the slow thinning of hair.
Hair loss mainly starts from the frontal part of the scalp.
Some of the signs and symptoms include
- Gradual thinning of hairs on the top of the head
- Circular or patchy bald spots
- Scaling patches all over the scalp
- Full body hair loss
Whereas in females, the only symptom of Androgenetic Alopecia is thinning of hair.
The chances of complete baldness in a woman facing this condition are significantly less.
Stages
According to the Hamilton-Norwood scale, there are seven stages of Androgenetic Alopecia.
Stage 1: Unnoticeable hair thinning
In stage 1, there is no visible hair loss or recession of the hairline.
Hair thins around the temple (area between the forehead and ears).
Stage 2: M-shaped hairline and hair thinning
In this stage, you can see hair thinning at the crown among males.
The forehead becomes wider, and the temples become more visible.
This stage cannot be visible to everyone, but an M-shaped hairline can be seen.
Stage 3: Visible balding and M, U, V shaped hairline
In stage 3, the hairline recedes deeper, forming M, U, and V shapes on the forehead.
Hair on the top of the scalp becomes very thin.
Hair loss in this stage increases enough to identify the stage of baldness.
Stage 4: Hair loss at the back of the head
This stage has massive hair loss at the back of the head.
Bald spots on the top of your head can be seen very clearly.
Stage 5: U-shaped or Horseshoe hairline
This stage shows a horseshoe or U-shaped hairline.
It becomes challenging to treat hair loss at this stage.
Stage 6: Visible scalp
The hair on the head gets thin and bald patches to widen more.
Hair shedding increases at the sides of your head.
Stage 7: Thin hairs and hairline receding to crown
Reaching this stage means you have lost most of your hair.
The hairline has receded to the crown of your head.
Hairs are left on the sides only and are very thin.
Causes
The primary cause of Androgenetic Alopecia is Androgens and Genetics.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an Androgen formed by the action of 5 alpha-reductase enzymes on Testosterone.
DHT helps in regulating the growth of hairs, sexual development, and deepening of voice in males.
Sensitivity to the DHT hormone may lead to the shrinking of hair follicles. This makes the follicles less effective in growing and holding new hair.
It also causes hair thinning and, if left untreated, leads to partial baldness.
“You can’t always predict Androgenetic Alopecia. Among siblings, one can have severe Androgenetic Alopecia, while the other sibling is completely unaffected. It can also skip a generation completely where there’s no hair loss. The development of male or female pattern hair loss is due to a mix of factors.”
Dr. Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP
Hormonal changes
Several hormonal imbalances can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
Some of the hormonal changes causing Alopecia are due to pregnancy, menopause, childbirth, and thyroid problems.
Hairstyles and treatments
Excessive use of hair styling products like hair dryers and other accessories like rollers can cause hair loss.
Hairstyles like braids and dreadlocks may start slow hair loss and lead to permanent hair loss.
Depression and stress
According to a study, psychological stress can cause Telogen Effluvium (TE).
Androgenetic Alopecia is different from Telogen Effluvium.
This is a form of temporary hair loss that mainly occurs after months of a person facing stress or trauma.
In this type, hair falls from every part of your scalp.
Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia
Generally, doctors recommend oral or topical medications to treat Androgenetic Alopecia.
If you have reached higher stages of Androgenetic Alopecia, treatments like hair transplant and light therapy can be helpful.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medicine used to treat hair loss.
Minoxidil helps in slowing the rate of hair loss and promotes hair growth.
It may take four to six months to show the visible effects of the medicine.
Side effects like acne, inflammation and itching can be seen in early usage.
| Medicines with Minoxidil | Approx. Cost |
| Tugain 5% | $20.54 |
| Hair 4u 2% | $19.80 |
Minoxidil comes as liquid and foam, which must be applied to the affected area of the scalp.
Take a doctor’s prescription before taking any medication.
Finasteride
Finasteride is FDA approved medicine and is only available on prescription only.
It slows down hair loss, and for some people, it might increase new hair growth.
This medicine may take a few weeks or years to show proper effect.
Finasteride might not work for men over 60 years of age.
| Medicines with Finasteride | Approx. Cost |
| Finpecia 1mg | $6.27 |
| Finalo 1mg | $19.00 |
Other treatments
Some other treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia are:
- Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Micro-needling
- Light Therapy
- Mesotherapy
- Hair Transplant
These treatments are helpful in case you have lost most of your hair.
You can prevent complete hair loss if you diagnose early and start natural treatments.
Prevention
Androgenetic Alopecia is a hereditary condition, and you can not stop it.
However, there are some methods to prevent hair loss:
- Living a healthy lifestyle can affect your physical health as well as the health of your hair
- Avoid using straightening chemicals, as these can damage your hair.
- Do not use hair dryers, hot combs, and hair rollers
- You can avoid some hair loss by eating healthy foods which provide necessary vitamins and nutrients
Conclusion
Androgenetic Alopecia is a common condition that affects both men and women.
An imbalance of Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone hormones causes it.
This imbalance can lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
While there is no cure available for this condition, there are treatments that can help slow down or stop hair loss.
Some changes, such as avoiding certain hairstyles, taking vitamins and supplements, and reducing stress levels, can also help reduce the effects of this condition.
In conclusion, with proper medical advice and lifestyle modifications, individuals living with Androgenetic Alopecia can manage their symptoms and lead better lives.
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