Androgenetic Alopecia – Trichology Consultation

Androgenic Alopecia (or male pattern baldness) is a genetically determined disorder defined by the conversion of terminal hairs into indeterminate and eventually into vellus hairs. It happens due to an underlying susceptibility of hair follicles to androgenic miniaturization. It is the most common cause of hair loss, which affects up to 70% of men and 40% women at some point in their lifetimes.

Men typically present with hairline recession at the temples and vertex balding, while women normally thin diffusely over the top of their scalps. Androgenic alopecia is a genetically determined disorder defined by the conversion of terminal hairs into indeterminate and eventually vellus hairs.

What are the symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia? 

Some theories relate the cause of androgenetic alopecia to hormones. Others connect the causes to genetics. Androgenetic alopecia is also closely related to our age, when the body is affected by a decrease in androgens and androgen receptors. After 80, free testosterone decreases in men. But androgenetic alopecia can also occur prematurely, wit the example of Werner’s syndrome. Various cross-sectional studies have also found associations between early androgenetic alopecia, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

• Gradual onset
• Increased hair shedding
• Transition from large, thick, pigmented terminal hairs to thinner, shorter hair, indeterminate hairs, then eventually short, wispy, non pigmented vellus hairs.
• Complete hair loss

Androgenetic Alopecia Diagnosis

To diagnose male pattern baldness, the best option is to visit the Wimpole Clinic and get a physical examination in order to look at the underlying skin and patterns. Because there can be so many factors that can be involved in male pattern baldness, we act as detectives to understand the real causes. Knowing if the hair fell suddenly or gradually can help our search.

Other information such as allergies or specific diets are clues we can use to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes, the evidence lies in your scalp and may require doing a scalp biopsy, which can be essential to solving the case. Sometimes, a blood test is also necessary. Contact us for a consultation and we will help you find out if you have male pattern baldness.

Androgenetic Alopecia Treatments  

As androgenetic alopecia can have an emotional impact, seeking a treatment can help you psychologically and physiologically. If the hair loss is due to an infection, or another condition, treating the underlying problem may help prevent further hair loss. For general male pattern baldness there are two medicines that can be used to treat hair loss: finasteride and minoxidil