Androgenetic Alopecia - Definition, Causes & Cure

Apart from the sex of the individual, premature balding is also influenced by Genetic Factors. The latter modify the magnitude of the hair follicle response to circulating androgens. Those with a strong predisposition and androgenetic alopecia start to bald in their teens. People with a weak predisposition may not start to bald until they are in their 60s or 70s. Fewer than 15 percent of men have little or no baldness by the age of 70.

Research suggests that several genes one inherits from both of one's parents are also part of the various causes of premature balding. Paternal hair loss has been found to correlate with chances of Alopecia in sons. On the other hand, Androgen Receptors (AR) - which can correlate with baldness - are X chromosome linked.

Thus, these are thus inherited from a man's mother and ultimately from the man's maternal grandfather or grandmother. For women, and X-linked genes can come from either her father or mother or both.

Androgen receptors allow one's body to respond appropriately to dihydrotestosterone and other androgens. Variations in the AR gene result in increased activity of androgen receptors in hair follicles. However, it is still unknown how these genetic changes intensify the risk of patterned hair loss.

Androgenetic alopecia is also known as "Pattern Hair Loss" or "Pattern Balding". This is because the premature balding in an affected person follows a characteristic pattern (potentially reversible hair miniaturization, which is mostly limited to the central scalp), and hence this name. These names may be less precise, but certainly more inclusive. And so they are more commonly used to describe this disease.

This site basically discusses the male pattern hair loss (i.e. androgenetic alopecia in men). While some physicians and most affected people consider it to be pathologic, many others consider it to be a normal part of ageing.

So, is it pathologic? Or, is it just a normal variant of ageing? Well, some degree of balding - especially the bi-temporal hair loss - is present among 50 percent of ageing men. An equal number of women are affected by some degree of balding after menopause. However, an early onset of pattern balding is surely a pathologic condition triggered by a myriad of genetic and hormonal factors.

Despite phenotypic and age-related differences in clinical presentation, it was assumed that both these conditions (male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness) were caused by the same cellular mechanisms.

But, then it started becoming clear that there are two subsets of female pattern hair loss. One is directly under the control of androgens, as in men, but the other is clearly distinct than that seen in men. But, then it started becoming clear that there are two subsets of female pattern hair loss. One is directly under the control of androgens, as in men, but the other is clearly distinct than that seen in men.

It is believed that the second mechanism that occurs in women is protective in nature. But the question is what makes the hair loss pattern so different in women?

Whether it is in men or women, androgenetic alopecia always involves a complex steroid metabolism. The hair loss mechanism is well studied in men. The androgens have been found to be the real culprits, and this justifies the name androgenetic alopecia.

Are you suffering from premature balding? Do you want to understand the disease? Do you want to have a clear idea about the various causes of premature balding? Then you must know how and when it happens. In any case, it makes for interesting reading.