Androgenetic Alopecia

Hair loss or baldness seems to be an immortal issue that affects both men and women, regardless of race, although it frequently occurs in white men than in Afro-Americans or Asians. Could there be a relationship between hair loss and a person's skin color? This article will try to answer some of the common questions associated with the hereditary type of hair loss or alopecia.

Hair loss as a result of heredity is the most common type of baldness that accounts for 98% of cases. Androgenetic alopecia, as it is called, is a disorder of receding hairline for men, and usually comes out as distributed thinning of hair and hair loss in women. Most patients with the disorder begin to show signs of shedding as early as in their 30's but becomes more evident as age progresses to around 50.

The onset of alopecia androgenetic is gradual. Symptoms could include shedding of more hair than usual and hair thinning. There is a myth going around for many decades now, pertaining to what line of the family has it. Many of us believe that hereditary hair loss is passed down from the mother's side, yet, in many cases the mother's father has thick locks. Androgenetic alopecia from mom or dad, then, is determined by genetic factors that could stem from one parent or both.

What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia?

In women predisposed with the disorder, it usually begins at the onset of menopause, while in other cases it can be a post-menopausal occurrence. Post-menopausal androgenetic alopecia increases in incidence in women above the age of 65 by 75%.

Androgenetic alopecia in men, however, it is mainly set off by alteration in levels of the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The male enzyme, testosterone, is converted to DHT by the enzymes 5 alpha reductase that is found to contribute to the worsening of the disorder, in predisposed men. Take note that men who are deficient in the 5 alpha reductase enzymes incidentally do not develop the disorder at all, primarily because the body is unable to produce DHT.

At the onset of the disorder, the active hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp begin miniaturizing and become less active. These follicles tend to shrink in size gradually after each hair growth cycle as influenced mainly by the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. When DHT is formed, it causes each hair shaft to thin and progressively producing finer hairs as the hair enters into another growth cycle. Eventually, the hair loses pigmentation and the follicles stop producing new hair.

In androgenetic alopecia, the anagen phase (hair growth) becomes shorter while the telogen phase remains constant and the patient may notice more shedding and lesser hair growth. Diagnosing androgenetic alopecia is easier because it is gradual hair loss that becomes permanent, unlike other types of temporary hair loss that occur suddenly due to several factors such as trauma, childbirth, poor nutrition, medical conditions, and many others.

Androgentic alopecia could not be health-related because most patients who have the disorder tend to be in good health. So you might ask yourself, "How do I know if its androgenetic alopecia?" Since the disorder is the most common type of hair loss, you can tell if you have it by tracking a family history of the disorder. In addition, if the disorder accompanies other medical conditions, then it might be time to consult a health professional.

There are no other side effects of androgenetic alopecia, except for the fact that the scalp is no longer shielded against the harmful UV rays of the sun. However, it's not the end of the world for people with the disorder. There are many products you can use to protect your head such as toupees, wigs, or even brandish hats. Whoever said you can't go stylish when you're bald?