Men and women alike are concerned about hair loss, but androgenic alopecia is one of the more common types. This condition, also referred to as female-pattern hair loss or male-pattern baldness, is brought on by hormonal and genetic variables. Making educated judgments can be aided by knowing the underlying reason for thinning hair or a receding hairline and the possible treatments.
You may be wondering what causes hair loss if you’re experiencing it. Is it reversible? Are there any available treatments? We’ll go into great detail on androgenic alopecia in this Haircosmos International, the best hair transplant clinic in Bangalore blog, including its causes, symptoms, available treatments, and potential for regrowth.
Understanding Androgenic Alopecia
A genetic condition called androgenic alopecia results in progressive hair loss. In the United States alone, it impacts over 30 million women and 50 million men. Hair follicle sensitivity to androgens (male hormones), especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is the fundamental cause of hair loss, even if the pattern differs between the sexes.
For men, it can begin as early as the late teens or early 20s, but for women, it usually manifests later, frequently following menopause.
Prevalence Of Androgenetic Alopecia
Male-pattern baldness affects about 50 million males in the US. Female-pattern hair loss affects around 30 million women. By the age of fifty, androgenic alopecia causes noticeable hair thinning in more than fifty percent of males and twenty-five percent of women.
Although men and women experience the condition’s progression in different ways, the underlying cause is the same: dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a consequence of testosterone that impacts the health of hair follicles.
Androgenic Alopecia Causes
Androgenic alopecia is caused by a number of factors:
- Genetic Propensity: Heredity is the main cause of androgenic alopecia. You are more likely to suffer from hair loss if either your parents or your grandparents did. The disorder has a polygenic inheritance pattern, which means that a number of genes influence a person’s vulnerability to hair loss.
- Changes in Hormones and DHT Sensitivity: The main cause of androgenic alopecia is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT attaches itself to hair follicles in people who are genetically predisposed, making them shrink. With time, this results in:
- shorter cycles for hair growth
- Hair strands that are weaker and thinner
- eventual stoppage of hair growth
- Male-pattern baldness is more prevalent in men because of their naturally greater testosterone levels. Elevated DHT levels can also cause hair thinning in women with hormonal imbalances or disorders like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- Aging or Growing older: Because hair follicles become more sensitive to hormones as people age, hair loss becomes more obvious in women after menopause or beyond the age of 40.
- Fundamental Medical Conditions: Androgenic alopecia can be accelerated by certain medical disorders, such as:
- Diseases of the thyroid (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
- Alopecia areata and other autoimmune disorders
- deficits in certain nutrients (iron, biotin, vitamin D)
- Telogen effluvium, or hair loss brought on by stress
Although these disorders may not directly cause androgenic alopecia, if treatment is not received, they may exacerbate pre-existing hair loss.
Androgenic Alopecia Symptoms
Androgenic alopecia affects men and women in different ways. The earlier you begin treatment, the greater your chances are of slowing or stopping hair loss. Some of the commonly associated Androgenic Alopecia symptoms includes:
Male-pattern baldness in men
- A receding hairline that makes the letter “M”
- The crown, or top of the skull, is becoming thinner.
- In certain situations, total baldness
Female-Pattern Hair Loss in Women
- thinning of the scalp overall
- expansion of the hair portion
- rarely results in total baldness
Androgenic alopecia treatment
Although there isn’t a long-term solution for androgenic alopecia, there are a number of therapies that help reduce hair loss and encourage new growth.
-
FDA-approved pharmaceuticalsMinoxidil (Rogaine)
A topical medication that lengthens the hair growth cycle and improves blood flow to the scalp.It is available in both 2% and 5% strengths. It is advised to apply twice daily straight to the scalp prolongs the hair follicles’ growth period.Both men and women can use it.
Similarly another durg Finasteride, often known as Propecia, is also a prescription medication that lowers men’s DHT levels and slows hair loss.It functions by preventing testosterone from being converted to DHT.It lowers DHT levels by 60–70%. It is only recommended to be administered by men.
-
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Hair follicles are stimulated by laser equipment, including laser combs or helmets, which encourage hair growth. LLLT is non-invasive, safe, and most effective when used in conjunction with other therapies.
-
Treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelets are drawn from your blood and injected into your scalp by a dermatologist. Growth factors included in these platelets aid in reviving damaged hair follicles. It is quite effective after several sessions, some research indicates a 20–40% increase in hair density.
-
Surgery for hair transplantation
The best long-term remedy for advanced cases is a hair transplant. Typical methods of Transplanting individual follicles is known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The process of Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves removing a strip of scalp and dividing it into transplants. Hair transplant surgery is usually costly, but can produce long-lasting, natural results.
Androgenic alopecia regrowth
Treatment for androgenic alopecia may result in some regrowth if it is detected early. But a follicle cannot renew once it is totally dormant.
- Natural Treatments & Modifications to Lifestyle: Natural treatments can slow down the progression of androgenic alopecia, but they cannot completely reverse it:
- Green tea, pumpkin seeds, and saw palmetto extract are foods that block DHT.
- Massages for the scalp stimulate follicles and increase blood circulation. Frequent scalp massages encourage healthy hair development by improving blood flow to hair follicles. Apply light pressure in circular motions with your hands or a scalp massager. To increase follicular stimulation, do this for 5–10 minutes every day.
- Essential Oils: Research suggests that rosemary oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil contains various oxidants and antioxidants, antimicrobial content which may help encourage regrowth, reduce stress, enhance hair thickness and promote new follicles to develop.
- A Balanced Diet: should include omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and biotin.Keratin is a protein that makes up hair. Hair follicles can be strengthened by increasing protein intake. The best sources include Greek yogurt, eggs, fish, poultry, beans, lentils, and almonds. Biotin increases the strength of hair and aids in the creation of keratin.The best sources are sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, and eggs.
Omega-3s reduce follicular irritation and moisturize the scalp. Sources include Salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are the best sources.
- Avoid Chronic stress: Hormonal abnormalities brought on by prolonged stress might hasten telogen effluvium, or hair loss. Hair regrowth can be enhanced by natural stress management. Hair loss can be decreased by balancing cortisol levels through yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness practices.The body releases growth hormones during deep sleep, which aid in hair follicle strengthening and restoration. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. To improve the quality of your sleep, stay away from electronics and caffeine right before bed.
Conclusion
Although androgenic alopecia is a degenerative illness, hair loss can be slowed and, in certain situations, regrowth can be encouraged with early intervention. There are a number of options, including PRP therapy, FDA-approved drugs, and hair transplants.
To find the best course of action for your requirements, see a dermatologist if you’re experiencing noticeable hair thinning.
The main causes are genetics and hormones (DHT); early therapy increases the likelihood of hair regrowth; medications such as minoxidil and finasteride can delay hair loss; and hair transplants provide a long-term solution.
However, if your hair loss is persistent, severe or worrisome don’t hesitate to speak with an expert. Book an appointment with us on how to take care of your own hair?
FAQs
-
Can Androgenic Alopecia be reversed?
The stage of hair loss determines this. Minoxidil, Finasteride, PRP therapy, and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) are among the treatments that can slow down hair loss and encourage regeneration if detected early. Hair follicles, however, are incapable of growing again once they are totally dormant.
-
When does androgenic alopecia begin to appear?
For men, hair loss can start as early as the late teens or early 20s, while for women, it usually begins after menopause. Hormonal and genetic variables, however, influence it differently.
-
Do men or women experience androgenic alopecia more frequently?
Because men have higher quantities of DHT and testosterone, it is more prevalent in them. Nonetheless, female-pattern hair loss is also experienced by women, particularly during menopause.
-
How well does minoxidil work to promote hair growth?
Minoxidil promotes better blood flow to the scalp and prolongs the hair development period. Although 60–70% of users find it beneficial, benefits take three to six months to manifest and consistent use is necessary.
-
Can androgenic alopecia be affected by diet?
Yes, eating a diet high in nutrients can help maintain healthy hair. Hair thinning can be made worse by deficiencies in iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamin D. Stronger hair is maintained by eating a balanced diet.
-
Is surgery for hair transplantation permanent?
Hair transplants do provide long-lasting effects, but they cannot prevent further hair loss in untreated areas. Treatments for maintenance can still be required.
