Androgenic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness)

What Is Androgenic Alopecia?

Hair loss, or hair fall, is a common problem in today's world. There are several types of hair loss. Several factors contribute to hair loss, and these factors are used to categorize the type of hair loss. Among all these types, androgenic alopecia is the most common type. Almost half the cases of hair loss around the world are related to this condition. In the United States alone, 50 million males and 30 million females suffer from this condition.

Commonly, we call it male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss. Though the exact cause of this condition is not known, our sex hormones (androgens) are related to this. Some scientists believe that an increase in the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body is responsible for this.

Who Is Most Affected by Androgenic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia affects both men and women. However, it is more common among men, and almost 50 percent of males suffer from this. However, it is more common among elderly males. Androgenic alopecia in females occurs after the menopause. 15 percent of women after their menopause are affected by this. Also, in cases of females, elderly women are most commonly affected.

Though it is a worldwide health issue, it is most common among Caucasians. However, this phenomenon is also observed among Asians, Africans, Europeans, and Americans. Some scientists believe that family plays an important role in this. As a result, if your father has this type of baldness, the chances of you having this are five to six times higher.

How Does Androgenic Alopecia Impact Hair and the Body?

As already discussed, sex hormones in our body play an important role in this type of baldness. The main responsible factor for our androgenic alopecia is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A high level of alpha-reductase enzyme in our body is linked to the conversion of testosterone (male sex hormone) to dihydrotestosterone. As a result, if you have androgenetic alopecia, you must have a high level of dihydrotestosterone and alpha-reductase in your body. Gradually, these factors cause activation of receptors that can identify sex hormones.

Over time, a high level of DHT penetrates our scalp and affects the small sacs, which are responsible for hair growth. Due to the effect of the DHT of the hair sac or hair follicle, it starts to sink. This shrinkage causes improper hair growth. Gradually, hair starts to become thinner and eventually becomes even shorter. Eventually, dysfunctional and shrunken hair follicles produce hair that can not penetrate the scalp.

What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Androgenic Alopecia?

Androgenic alopecia starts after puberty. The hair loss occurs slowly, gradually, and in stages. The androgenic alopecia stages are;

• Stage 1:

Here, you will see no hair loss or recession.

• Stage 2:

In this stage, you will notice a loss of hair in the side portion of your head. This happens in between your ears and forehead.

• Stage 3:

Gradually, you will see hair loss in the front portion of your head. A “M” or “U” shaped hairline is the main feature.

• Stage 4:

More hair loss causes loss of hair in the top portion of your head.

• Stage 5:

Your hairline recedes further back and meets the bald area on your crown.

• Stage 6:

More hair loss causes loss of hair between your crown and the side portion of the head.

• Stage 7:

This is the final stage, where most of your hair is gone, and a thin portion of the hair is present in the side portion.

Androgenic alopecia symptoms for men follow the above-mentioned pattern. However, the symptoms of androgenic alopecia in women are different.

1. In women, this type of hair loss is seen after menopause. Hormonal imbalance in menopause is responsible for this. Apart from this, androgenic alopecia in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is very common.

2. In women, the hair loss is diffuse.

3. In contrast to men, the front portion of the hairline is preserved in women.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Androgenic Alopecia?

Doctors usually take medical and family history to diagnose androgenic alopecia. Having a family history of male pattern baldness or baldness of your maternal grandfather confirms the family history. Doctors can also do a dermoscopy to check your shrunken hair follicles. Additionally, other medical tests can be useful in understanding other hormonal issues. These are;

1. Complete blood count.

2. Thyroid function tests.

3. Serum ferritin.

4. FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), and estradiol if PCOS is suspected.

What Are the Effective Treatments for Androgenic Alopecia?

Both medicines and surgery can cure pattern baldness. So far, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has only approved two drugs for androgenic alopecia treatment. These are

• Minoxidil:

This is the most common medication for androgenic alopecia. This medicine is available over the counter in various concentrations, ranging from 2 % to 5 %. You can apply this drug topically to your scalp. However, proper advice from the doctor is required. Recently, Minoxidil tablets have also gained popularity due to their good results.

• Finasteride:

This FDA-approved drug can lower your DHT levels. You can take this medicine in both topical form and tablet form.

Apart from this, doctors are trying other medicines like Spironolactone, Cyproterone, and

Dutasteride for baldness. However, these treatments are not approved by the FDA.

Surgical treatment for androgenic alopecia includes a hair transplant. Here, healthy hair from another part of your body is placed on the scalp to grow new hair. Other than surgery, doctors are using laser therapy to regenerate shrunken hair follicles. Sometimes, doctors use their own blood to make platelet-rich plasma. This plasma can regrow your shrunken hair follicles.

Can You Prevent Androgenic Alopecia?

Androgenic alopecia is associated with hormonal changes. Additionally, your family history and genetic factors play a significant role in this type of baldness. As a result, if you have this type of baldness, you will gradually lose your hair. That is why preventing it is very difficult.

An early diagnosis and timely medical treatment can help your hair to regrow. You must understand that, even with medicines, androgenic alopecia is not fully reversible.

Conclusion

If you have baldness, the chances of having androgenic alopecia are very high. This common type of baldness can affect both males and females. Hormonal changes in our bodies due to age and genetics cause this type of baldness. However, proper treatment can cure this and reverse your hair loss.

Key Takeaway From iCliniq

Family history or hormonal issues are the most common causes of androgenic alopecia. That is why, if you notice gradual hair loss, you should immediately consult a doctor. Remember, treatment is available for androgenic alopecia. If you have any queries related to this, please remember that our dermatologists at iCliniq are always available to assist you.