Androgenetic alopecia is a common problem in both men and women that affects patients’ confidence and quality of life. What is androgenetic alopecia? What causes it? And how can it be treated? Those who have thinning hair or excessive hair loss and wonder if they have androgenetic alopecia can study this information along with appropriate treatment options.
What is androgenetic alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia, medically known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is a condition where hair gradually thins and falls out continuously, leading to baldness. It is a hair loss caused by genetics and hormones. This condition occurs in both men and women but is more common in men.
Characteristics of hereditary baldness
The pattern of hereditary baldness differs between men and women. Generally, it has the following characteristics:
- In men: Often called “Male Pattern Baldness.” This condition usually begins with a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown or top of the head.
- Hair loss at the temples: Usually starts with hair at the temples receding in an M or U shape.
- Thinning hair on the crown: Hair thins on the crown area, especially the top of the head.
- Thinning around the scalp: In the later stages, hair thins around the entire scalp, leaving hair only on the sides and back of the head.
- In women: Called “Female Pattern Hair Loss.” This condition usually presents as thinning hair all over the scalp, with the front hairline remaining intact, and often hair loss occurs after menopause.
- Thinning hair all over the scalp: Women with baldness often experience thinning hair across the entire scalp but do not lose all hair like men.
- Thinning hair on the crown: The most noticeable thinning is usually on the crown, making the scalp more visible, especially when parting the hair.
- Forehead hairline remains: In women, the hairline at the forehead usually does not recede like in men.
This condition results from a combination of genetics and the presence of male hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink, which shortens the hair growth cycle and eventually leads to hair loss.
Symptoms of androgenetic alopecia
When should you see a doctor? Symptoms of androgenetic alopecia vary from mild to severe as follows:
Common symptoms of androgenetic alopecia
1. Excessive hair loss: Noticeable by more hair on combs or pillows.
2. Gradual thinning: The scalp becomes more visible over time.
3. Thinner hair strands: Hair strands become smaller and thinner than before.
4. Slower hair growth: The time for new hair to grow increases.
5. Dry and lifeless hair: Hair may appear dry and less shiny than before.
Symptoms that require urgent medical attention
1. Rapid hair loss: Losing a large amount of hair in a short period.
2. Patchy hair loss: May indicate other types of hair loss not related to genetics.
3. Itching or irritation on the scalp: Could be a sign of other skin problems.
4. Hair loss accompanied by other symptoms: Such as fatigue, weight loss, or fever.
5. Hair loss in children or early teenagers: May indicate other health issues.
6. Hair loss after starting new medication: Could be a side effect of the drug.
Observing these symptoms and consulting a doctor when abnormalities occur helps in timely diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, consulting a doctor helps ensure accurate diagnosis and differentiation between androgenetic alopecia and other types of hair loss.
Causes and risk factors of androgenetic alopecia
What causes hair loss? The main cause of androgenetic alopecia is genetic inheritance from either parent. However, several factors can influence the onset and progression of this condition.
Causes of androgenetic alopecia
- Hormonal changes: An increase in male hormones, especially DHT, plays a significant role in hair loss. These hormones affect hair follicles, shortening the growth cycle and lengthening the resting phase, resulting in thinning hair.
- Age: The likelihood of developing androgenetic alopecia increases with age, usually starting in late adolescence to early twenties in men and after menopause in women.
- Family history: A family history of baldness increases the risk of this condition. If your parents or grandparents have androgenetic alopecia, you are more likely to develop it.
- Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women, can worsen androgenetic alopecia due to hormonal imbalances.
Risk factors for androgenetic alopecia
- Gender: Men are at higher risk than women for developing androgenetic alopecia.
- Stress: Although not a direct cause, stress may exacerbate symptoms.
- Nutrition: Deficiency in certain nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals can affect hair health.
- Use of certain medications: Some drugs, such as chemotherapy or thyroid medications, may cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Improper hair care: Excessive use of heat or chemicals on hair can damage hair and increase hair loss.
- Pollution and environment: Exposure to air pollution or UV radiation may affect hair health in the long term.
Understanding these causes and risk factors helps in better prevention and management of androgenetic alopecia. Although genetic factors cannot be controlled, overall health care, stress management, and avoiding controllable risk factors may help slow the onset or reduce the severity of symptoms.
Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia
Although androgenetic alopecia is a chronic condition, there are several treatments that can help slow hair loss and, in some cases, stimulate hair regrowth. The effectiveness of these treatments varies among individuals.
1. Oral medications: Oral drugs can help slow hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Continuous use is necessary to maintain hair condition and make hair appear thicker.
2. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): Stimulating hair follicles with LLLT involves using laser light to promote hair growth. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. This non-surgical treatment is suitable for both men and women.
3. Hair transplantation: Hair transplantation involves taking hair follicles from areas with dense hair (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplanting them to bald areas, such as:
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique: Hair transplantation by surgically removing a strip of scalp, then separating hair follicles under a microscope before transplanting them to the desired area.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) technique: Hair transplantation by using a small punch tool (about 0.8 – 1.0 millimeters) to extract hair follicles directly from the scalp.
4. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient’s own blood into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and increase hair thickness.
5. Nutritional adjustment: Most people with hair loss or thinning want to know what to eat. Initially, consuming a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as omega-3 and vitamin D helps hair growth. Managing stress, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and avoiding harsh hair treatments can maintain overall hair health and slow hair loss.
Ultimately, the choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, personal preference, and medical advice. Generally, a combination of treatments is used to achieve the best results, and it takes at least 6-12 months to see clear effects.
Where is the best place to treat androgenetic alopecia?
Choosing the right place to treat androgenetic alopecia is important to receive accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Currently, the Hair and Scalp Care Center at Phyathai 3 Hospital offers comprehensive hair and scalp care services, treating hair loss, thinning hair, baldness, dandruff, permanent hair transplantation, hair transplant surgery, scarless hair transplantation, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), scarless hair transplantation, eyebrow transplantation, beard transplantation, and hair transplantation on scars. The center is staffed by experienced doctors with complete equipment, modern tools, cleanliness, safety standards of a hospital, convenience, and easy access.
Summary: Androgenetic alopecia is manageable. If you have hair loss or thinning hair, you should consult a doctor to diagnose whether you have androgenetic alopecia. The important thing is to accept and understand that androgenetic alopecia is a medical condition that can be managed. Early consultation and choosing the appropriate treatment method will help control symptoms and provide effective treatment.
Dr. Wipawan Wattananyai, Dermatologist
Hair Transplant Surgeon and Dermatologist
Hair and Scalp Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
Tel. 02-467-1111 ext. 1432
