Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common hair loss condition that affects both women and men. Male pattern baldness is the term given to the men who experience this hair condition. If you see pictures of androgenetic alopecia on men, you will notice a distinct hair loss pattern. The temple area on the head is the first to start losing hair and then the hairline slowly recedes. The hair starts to thin around the crown and can keep on receding to complete baldness. For women with androgenetic alopecia, the hair just becomes thinner and there is no receding hair line. For women, total baldness is a rare event.

Causes Of Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgen, a type of hormone that is responsible for hair growth, is the cause of many cases of baldness. Some people’s hair follicles have sensitivity to these androgens, specifically one called DHT. Genetics plays a big role so you can get the androgenetic alopecia gene from mom or dad.

There are other androgenetic alopecia health issues too. This hair condition can also be caused by hypertension, coronary heart disease and even polycystic ovary syndrome. These conditions and others can wreak havoc on your hormones and affect how your androgens react in your body.

Diagnosing Androgenetic Alopecia

The question that people with hair loss may pose is, “How do I know if its androgenetic alopecia?” The answer lies in a simple blood test for androgenetic alopecia. With males who are experiencing hair loss, that is one of the first diagnosis (especially since male patterned baldness is widely known); however, with women, a blood test is the best bet for knowing for sure.

There are really no major side effects of androgenetic alopecia. You might say that androgenetic alopecia is the side effect of something else. Most people with hair loss lead normal healthy lives, especially since the bulk of cases are genetically based. There are some treatments that you may try if you are definitively diagnosed. Your doctor may write a prescription for special shampoos or topical ointments or creams. Low laser light therapy is an option as well as special diets and exercise. Hair transplantation surgery is also an option.

There are some herbs which some people claim stimulate hair growth. However, if you resort to alternate methods not introduced by your doctor, be sure to consult with them first to see if the herbs will not interact with any other medications you may be taking.