Androgenetic Alopecia

What is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss in men. It occurs when the hair follicles shrink over time, causing thinning hair and eventual baldness. It can begin as early as the mid-teen years and tends to progress with age. In rare cases, it can begin in childhood.

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. It is characterized by the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, a hormone that is converted from testosterone. DHT can shrink the hair follicles, preventing them from producing healthy hair.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of androgenetic alopecia are receding hairline at the temples, thinning at the crown of the scalp, and a general thinning of hair throughout the scalp. This type of hair loss often progresses slowly over time, and it can become more noticeable as the years go by.

Treatment Options

There are several medical treatments available to slow the progression of hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia. These include:

• Minoxidil solution: This topical medication helps to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.
• Finasteride tablets: This oral medication reduces DHT levels in the scalp, helping to stop hair loss and promote new hair growth.
• Hair transplant surgery: This surgery involves surgically removing hair from areas of the scalp with thicker hair and transplanting it to areas of baldness.
• Laser therapy: This form of light therapy can stimulate hair growth and slow down the rate of hair loss.

Conclusion

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men. It is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, and it can cause the hair follicles to shrink and prevent them from producing healthy hair. Treatment options include minoxidil, finasteride, hair transplants, and laser therapy.