Androgenetic alopecia is the scientific term for male pattern baldness.
Despite its name, this form of hair loss affects both men and women.
In men, hair loss normally starts after puberty and affects the crown, the vertex and the frontotemporal region.
There seems to be no involvement of the hair around the back and sides of the head.
Progression of the condition often results in baldness.
However, the condition is normally noticed only when significant hair loss has occurred and hairline recession is apparent.
In women, hair loss is more diffuse and affects mainly the vertex, and women rarely suffer from complete hair loss.
What Causes It? Researchers suggest that the condition is multifactoral and could be inherited as autosomal dominant.
But the gene responsible has not been identified.
The development of androgenetic alopecia depends on the interaction of the two factors: genetic factors and androgens.
The condition is caused by the genetic tendency for the hair follicles to become susceptible to the actions of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is an androgen that influences hair growth and size.
It is synthesized in the scalp through the action of the enzymes 5-alpha reductase type I and type II.
Normally, levels of androgen declines after puberty, but not in the case of androgenetic alopecia.
Exposure to levels of DHT causes shrinkage of the hair follicles and cause hair to fall out.
Although it is a genetically determined condition, some environmental factors could also influence the development of androgenetic alopecia.
Some people may experience pattern hair loss after hormone therapy, exposure to radiation or use of steroids.
Still, the risk for developing androgenetic alopecia is higher in people with the genetic predisposition.
Why is Treatment Necessary? Androgenetic alopecia does not pose any serious health problem.
But, the diminishing hair causes psychological distress and people with the condition may suffer.
The society has set its standard for beauty and attractiveness, and part of which is having healthy hair.
Thus, people with androgenetic alopecia are likely to suffer from low self-esteem and decreased self-confidence.
Fortunately, the effects of androgenetic alopecia could be reversed safely.
Treatment Options Despite researches and advancement, there are only two drugs used to effectively treat hair loss.
Minoxidil and finasteride are FDA-approved, non prescription medications developed specifically to reverse the effects of hair loss.
Minoxidil is a topical cream that works by lengthening the anagen phase and increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles.
The benefits could be observed in a few months of continued use.
Minoxidil has no known harmful side effects.
Finasteride is an oral medication, which has been proven effective in treating hair loss.
But, Finasteride is not indicated for women.
It works by inhibiting the production of alpha-reductase type II.
It also stimulates hair regrowth.
Since drugs could be expensive in the long run, affected individuals may try natural remedies such as rubbing olive oil on patches of thinning hair.
Others have used a tea-like solution of mustard seeds and rosemary to spray on hair.
These natural remedies were not scientifically proven, but it is still worth trying.
For more information on androgenetic alopecia and find natural methods in reversing its effects, visit http://www.
AndrogeneticAlopecia.
org.
Despite its name, this form of hair loss affects both men and women.
In men, hair loss normally starts after puberty and affects the crown, the vertex and the frontotemporal region.
There seems to be no involvement of the hair around the back and sides of the head.
Progression of the condition often results in baldness.
However, the condition is normally noticed only when significant hair loss has occurred and hairline recession is apparent.
In women, hair loss is more diffuse and affects mainly the vertex, and women rarely suffer from complete hair loss.
What Causes It? Researchers suggest that the condition is multifactoral and could be inherited as autosomal dominant.
But the gene responsible has not been identified.
The development of androgenetic alopecia depends on the interaction of the two factors: genetic factors and androgens.
The condition is caused by the genetic tendency for the hair follicles to become susceptible to the actions of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is an androgen that influences hair growth and size.
It is synthesized in the scalp through the action of the enzymes 5-alpha reductase type I and type II.
Normally, levels of androgen declines after puberty, but not in the case of androgenetic alopecia.
Exposure to levels of DHT causes shrinkage of the hair follicles and cause hair to fall out.
Although it is a genetically determined condition, some environmental factors could also influence the development of androgenetic alopecia.
Some people may experience pattern hair loss after hormone therapy, exposure to radiation or use of steroids.
Still, the risk for developing androgenetic alopecia is higher in people with the genetic predisposition.
Why is Treatment Necessary? Androgenetic alopecia does not pose any serious health problem.
But, the diminishing hair causes psychological distress and people with the condition may suffer.
The society has set its standard for beauty and attractiveness, and part of which is having healthy hair.
Thus, people with androgenetic alopecia are likely to suffer from low self-esteem and decreased self-confidence.
Fortunately, the effects of androgenetic alopecia could be reversed safely.
Treatment Options Despite researches and advancement, there are only two drugs used to effectively treat hair loss.
Minoxidil and finasteride are FDA-approved, non prescription medications developed specifically to reverse the effects of hair loss.
Minoxidil is a topical cream that works by lengthening the anagen phase and increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles.
The benefits could be observed in a few months of continued use.
Minoxidil has no known harmful side effects.
Finasteride is an oral medication, which has been proven effective in treating hair loss.
But, Finasteride is not indicated for women.
It works by inhibiting the production of alpha-reductase type II.
It also stimulates hair regrowth.
Since drugs could be expensive in the long run, affected individuals may try natural remedies such as rubbing olive oil on patches of thinning hair.
Others have used a tea-like solution of mustard seeds and rosemary to spray on hair.
These natural remedies were not scientifically proven, but it is still worth trying.
For more information on androgenetic alopecia and find natural methods in reversing its effects, visit http://www.
AndrogeneticAlopecia.
org.