Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It can not only affect the young and the old, but children and adolescents as well.
In this guide, you will learn about the causes, treatments, prevalence, reversibility and treatment of what’s also known as pattern hair loss.
What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, is a type of progressive hair loss caused by genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.
It happens due to the miniaturisation of the hair follicles — the thick, coarse terminal hair on the scalp is converted into thin, wispy vellus hair.
In males, testosterone hair loss is mainly characterised by a distinct pattern that affects the crown, top, front and temples of the scalp. Typically, the result is a U-shaped area of baldness.
Women, on the other hand, rarely go bald as a result of pattern baldness. Usually, they experience diffuse thinning. However, in some cases, it may progress in the form of a pattern.
What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia?
“Andro” refers to the sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and ‘genetic’ refers to the role of the genes in androgenetic alopecia. Mainly, it’s the interplay of these two that causes pattern baldness.
It’s believed that androgenetic alopecia is a “polygenic trait” — a trait controlled by multiple genes. But until now, scientific research has only confirmed the involvement of one gene: the AR (androgen receptor) gene.
The AR gene is responsible for the development of androgen receptors to which sex hormones respond. Aside from reproductive tissues, these receptors are also found in the hair follicle dermal papilla cells. And variations in the AR gene end up affecting the function of its receptors.
What happens is that these androgen receptors are excessively activated by the binding of dihydrotestosterone in genetically susceptible follicles. This results in the shortening of the anagen phase of the growth cycle and miniaturisation.
According to StatPearls, while anagen to telogen hair ratio is normally 12:1, androgenetic alopecia reduces it to 5:0. Also, it notes that those who have androgenetic alopecia have higher levels of dihydrotestosterone, 5-alpha reductase (the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone) and androgen receptors.
VictorTheWhite, Testosterone Binding to AR, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sex hormones play a crucial role. Because in the absence of androgens, baldness doesn’t occur. This is true for castrated males and pseudohermaphrodite.
In addition to genetic factors, certain environmental factors are also associated with early onset androgenetic alopecia. One study noted the following, among others:
- Cigarette smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- High body mass index (BMI)
Cause of Androgenetic Alopecia In Women
In women, androgens don’t always play a central role in pattern baldness. Pattern baldness is observed in them, even at low levels of androgens or when they are completely resistant to them. That’s why the term “androgenetic” alopecia is not consistently accurate for women.
It’s believed that female pattern baldness has more to do with low levels of oestrogen instead. This also explains why most women experience pattern baldness after menopause.
However, this isn’t always the case. High levels of androgens can also cause androgenic alopecia in women. For instance, hyperandrogenism – excess production of androgens – in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause pattern baldness.
The relationship between oestrogen, androgens and female pattern baldness is not exactly clear. However, it can cause permanent baldness.
How Do You Know If You Have Androgenetic Alopecia?
In males, androgenetic alopecia usually progresses in a predictable pattern. Its different stages have been classified in the Norwood-Hamilton scale.
Progression of Male Pattern Hair Loss
It usually begins with the recession of the hairline and the thinning of the crown. Eventually, a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair loss forms.
Here, it should be noted that the hair at the back and sides of the scalp is usually “androgen insensitive,” so it stays intact.
In contrast to men, androgenetic alopecia in women usually results in diffuse thinning (all over the scalp).
However, there are cases where hair loss progresses in a pattern. It has been classified in the Ludwig scale.
In this case, the top and crown of the head start to thin until they eventually go bald.
Thinning can also start with the widening of the central part line in the shape of a “Christmas tree.”
Does Androgenetic Alopecia Come From Mom Or Dad?
Many people believe that baldness is passed down from the maternal grandfather. While it’s not completely untrue, the genetics of pattern baldness is more complicated.
You can inherit androgenetic alopecia from either your mother or father or both.
The AR gene – the variations in which contribute to pattern baldness – lies on the X chromosome. However, although the X-chromosome can have a significant influence on whether or not you go bald, it’s not the only chromosome that makes that decision.
So, even if you’re missing the baldness gene on your X chromosome, there’s no guarantee that you won’t develop androgenetic alopecia.
That’s why it can’t exactly be predicted whether or not you’ll develop pattern baldness.
When Does Androgenetic Alopecia Start?
Androgenetic alopecia doesn’t have a standard onset age. It can vary from person to person.
However, in general, men start noticing the first signs of pattern baldness in their mid-20s. Although it can even start in a person’s teenage years.
Androgenetic alopecia usually starts after puberty, and its risk increases with age. For instance, it affects 30% of Caucasians in their 30s, 40% in their 40s and so on.
As far as the onset of androgenetic alopecia in women is concerned, it’s usually observed after menopause (due to changes in levels of oestrogen).
Can Children Have Androgenetic Alopecia?
Both children and adolescents can experience what’s known as “pediatric androgenetic alopecia.” According to a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, this type of hair loss is associated with a “strong family history” of androgenetic alopecia.
Among the treatments for pediatric androgenetic alopecia, topical and oral minoxidil and topical finasteride are believed to be beneficial, per a review; additionally, hair transplant might also be a suitable treatment option in certain girls.
How Common Is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia affects around half of men over 50 and half of women over 65, according to Alopecia UK.
Interestingly, the incidence of androgenetic alopecia is the highest in Caucasian men, followed by Asians and Africans. It’s lowest in Native Americans and Eskimos.
As reported in one study, Caucasian males are four times more likely to develop pattern baldness than black Americans, and Japanese males even display a 10-year delay in the onset of the condition compared to Caucasians.
Usually, androgenetic alopecia is more prevalent in men than women. And in any case, its risk increases with age.
What Diseases Are Associated With Androgenetic Alopecia?
On its own, androgenetic alopecia is neither dangerous nor life-threatening. However, it has been associated with some serious health problems (especially in the case of early onset).
For instance, it has been related to:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Infertility
- Cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology also reported a strong association between severe COVID-19 infection and androgenetic alopecia. It’s called the “Gabrin sign.”
Also, keep in mind that not having hair due to androgenetic alopecia can make your skin more vulnerable to injuries and sunburns. Therefore, you need to be careful about that as well.
Can Androgenetic Alopecia Be Cured?
To date, there’s no cure for androgenetic alopecia. There’s no treatment that addresses the underlying genetic component of the disorder. And this includes any natural remedies like plant extracts or essential oils.
There are, however, other treatment options that can at least slow down the progression of hair loss. However, for good cosmetic results, you need to start treatment early.
Can Androgenetic Alopecia Be Reversed?
It’s not possible to completely reverse androgenetic alopecia. Usually, it’s irreversible. Once the follicle has miniaturised, it won’t go back to its original state.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, “theoretically,” androgenetic alopecia can be reversed. However, once the inflammation resulting from the condition damages the stem cells, there’s no going back.
Some treatment options can result in partial regrowth, but it’s never 100% effective.
Can Female Androgenetic Alopecia Be Reversed?
It is possible to stop or slow down the progression of female pattern hair loss, as well as to encourage new hair growth through treatment.
Treatment options can include minoxidil, spironolactone, platelet-rich plasma injections, laser therapy, and hair transplant, among others — make sure to discuss them with your healthcare facilitator.
Is Androgenetic Alopecia Treatable?
It’s possible to treat androgenetic alopecia with different surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
As far as medications are concerned, the following are used to stop or slow down the progression of pattern baldness:
- Minoxidil
- Finasteride
- Dutasteride
- Spironolactone
- Oral contraceptives
- Flutamide and bicalutamide
- Cyproterone
- Prostaglandin analogues
- Clascoterone
- Ketoconazole
These medications have different mechanisms of action. Some work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Some are antiandrogens, while others work by dilating the blood vessels.
You will have to keep taking these medications to see results (it might be a few months before you notice any growth). And unfortunately, they can cause some unpleasant side effects, which may result in the discontinuation of their intake.
Among the non-surgical options, there are some others that you might be recommended by your doctor, such as:
- Platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP)
- Laser hair growth therapy
- Microneedling
- Exosomes therapy
- Stem cell therapy
You can also try camouflaging your scalp with wigs, fibres, scarves or caps.
Many supplements are also touted as treatments for androgenetic alopecia, but they’re unlikely to work unless your hair loss is caused by a nutritional deficiency.
In any case, you should consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
Does Hair Transplant Work For Androgenetic Alopecia?
The only permanent treatment option for androgenetic alopecia is a hair transplant.
By taking the hair from the back and sides of the scalp, it can successfully restore density in the bald areas of the scalp.
You need to be in good health with sufficient hair in your donor area to be able to undergo this surgery.
In general, a hair transplant is a very popular treatment option among those with pattern baldness.
How Is Androgenetic Alopecia Diagnosed?
Scalp examination usually helps in the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia. It’s because of the distinct pattern, it usually forms on the scalp.
Additionally, your doctor might also do a trichoscopy to check for the number of vellus hair on your scalp (in proportion to the terminal hair).
Your family history will also be asked since androgenetic alopecia tends to run in families.
Other than that, you will also be asked about any active medication or treatment that you’re on or any health problems (physical or psychological) that you suffer from, in addition to things about your lifestyle.
Tests to check for your hormone and iron levels might also be done (to rule out any other causes of hair loss). There’s also the hair pull test, hair wash test, and wood lamp examination.
And lastly, a biopsy might be done, although it’s not always needed.
How To Differentiate Between Androgenetic Alopecia And Telogen Effluvium?
Androgenetic alopecia is usually patterned. However, telogen effluvium results in diffuse thinning.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that androgenetic alopecia is permanent and irreversible, while that’s not the case with telogen effluvium.
Telogen effluvium usually occurs 3-4 months after a stressful event, and the hair starts to grow back after 3-6 months.
It’s possible for a person to experience hair loss due to both telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. In fact, according to DermNet NZ, telogen effluvium can help “unmask” pattern hair loss in both males and females.
It can, however, be tricky to differentiate between telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia when both are causing diffuse thinning (as usually happens in women).
Regardless, you shouldn’t try determining your hair loss type on your own. It’s important that you get in touch with a medical professional.
Can Telogen Effluvium Trigger Androgenetic Alopecia?
A 2005 study of 5 patients with chronic telogen effluvium reported no development of pattern baldness in 4 out of 5 participants — this is even as they continued to experience hair loss due to chronic telogen effluvium. It can be said that telogen effluvium does not cause androgenetic alopecia.
How To Cope With Androgenetic Alopecia?
While androgenetic alopecia doesn’t affect physical health, it can have a significant negative impact on mental health.
Many people feel anxious and depressed and develop a poor body image with low self-esteem. That’s why it’s important to look for ways to cope.
For one, you can consider joining a support group and getting help from a professional therapist.
Acceptance is also really important when it comes to coping with pattern baldness.
For instance, one study published in Body Image reported that young men suffering from androgenetic alopecia usually coped in three ways: acceptance, compensation or avoidance.
And researchers found that those who coped with acceptance didn’t experience as much “psychological distress” about their hair loss.
Interested In A Hair Transplant?
For over a decade, Longevita has been a trusted facilitator of surgical and non-surgical solutions for different types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia. We arrange access to a team of highly experienced professionals and are proud to have a 98% satisfaction rate! If you’re interested in learning more about our treatment options, feel free to get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Androgenetic alopecia happens gradually over time, usually starting after puberty. If you’re experiencing sudden hair loss, it could be due to telogen effluvium, alopecia areata or something else.
Androgenetic alopecia is not associated with eyebrow or eyelash hair loss. Madarosis – loss of eyebrows or eyelash – can occur due to several reasons, such as autoimmune conditions, infections, skin problems, trichotillomania, and chemo/radiotherapy, among others.
Androgenetic alopecia is not an autoimmune disease (the most common example of it is alopecia areata). Pattern baldness is a hereditary condition.
According to a study published in The BMJ, androgenetic alopecia usually progresses for 15-25 years. However, sometimes, it can happen in just 5 years.
Androgenetic alopecia may cause an itchy scalp due to trichodynia. Trichodynia is a painful, burning sensation of the scalp that can also cause itchiness and research has shown that this condition can be a “feature” of pattern baldness.
Androgenetic alopecia is not an infectious disease, so it’s not contagious. It tends to run in families, but that doesn’t make it contagious.
If you like, you can dye your hair even if you have androgenetic alopecia. However, keep in mind that dyeing can damage your hair, which can cause more hair loss and overall thinning.
To our knowledge, there’s no conclusive evidence on the potential benefit of rice water for androgenetic alopecia.
Though biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, in healthy individuals, biotin does not help in the growth of hair. It is unlikely to help with androgenetic alopecia.
Using rosemary oil and 2% minoxidil, in 2015, researchers in one study treated two groups of patients; both of them were found to have a significant increase in their hair counts at the 6-month follow-up. Though rosemary oil may have the potential to help with androgenetic alopecia, it must be kept in mind that the research on it is limited.
Dr Cagla
Dr Cagla earned her medical degree at Trakya University’s Faculty of Medicine in Bulgaria and has almost 6 years of hair transplantation experience. She is a specialist in FUE, DHI and Sapphire hair transplants of the scalp, eyebrows and beard and has performed over 6,000 surgeries. Dr Cagla is multilingual, with fluency in English, Bulgarian and Turkish.
