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Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)

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Androgenetic Alopecia affects up to 50% of men and women. However, some people may not be familiar with the diagnosis, causes, and available treatment options.

What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is a hair loss condition in men and women that gradually worsens. It’s a genetic condition inherited from both maternal and paternal sides. The primary symptoms are hair loss, thinning, or balding on the scalp.

Androgenetic alopecia in women, or female pattern hair loss, usually starts with hair thinning at the crown of the head. Women may begin noticing that the hairline at the top of their heads is becoming wider. Most women notice this thinning during their 40s or 50s and typically don’t see significant changes to their frontal hairline. However, the thinning may slowly spread to all areas of the scalp.

Male pattern hair loss presents differently and can start earlier, around their 20s or 30s. Most men notice a slowly receding frontal hairline or a growing bald spot on the crown. Thinning may begin around the temple areas, and the hairline may develop an “M” shape. Eventually, the frontal hairline moves further up the scalp. In other men, a bald spot grows to encompass most or the entire top of the head. The exact pattern and severity of hair loss vary.

Androgenetic alopecia is not the same as temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium). Stress, various diseases and disorders, certain medications like blood thinners, and medical treatments like chemotherapy can cause temporary hair loss. However, hair growth returns to normal after these medications and treatments in most of these cases. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose between temporary hair loss diagnosis and androgenetic alopecia with a physical exam and medical history questions.

What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia?

People with androgenetic alopecia have higher levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an active male sex hormone (androgen) formed from testosterone. DHT shrinks hair follicles, limiting the ability to grow new hairs. Eventually, this prevents the body from being able to replace lost hair. 

Androgenetic Alopecia is not a male-specific diagnosis as both men and women have testosterone, just at different levels. Therefore, an excess response to higher levels of DHT can lead to this hair loss disorder in men and women.

How Is Androgenetic Alopecia Diagnosed?

Dermatologists diagnose androgenetic alopecia by conducting a physical exam while taking a thorough family and medical history. Typical questions may include:

  • When did you start noticing the hair loss?
  • Does anyone in your family have hair loss?
  • Did the hair loss happen suddenly or gradually?
  • Are you currently taking any medications or supplements?

Dermatologists may order blood tests or biopsies to rule out temporary hair loss diagnoses. They may also use a noninvasive method of imaging the scalp and hair known as trichoscopy to help confirm a diagnosis.

Are There Available Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Dermatology Circle offers many safe and painless treatment options for androgenetic alopecia. Medications and in-office procedures can limit hair loss, boost hair health, and encourage new growth.

Minoxidil

Commonly known as Rogaine, minoxidil is a topical treatment with a long record of safety and success. The medication comes as a foam that patients apply directly to their balding area. It works by stimulating hair follicles to encourage new growth. Minoxidil generally takes three to six months before noticing hair growth. After that, patients must continue to use it every day to deter further hair loss. Studies show that minoxidil rarely causes side effects, but it can lead to irritant dermatitis with itching or scaling. Newer data suggested that low dosages of Minoxidil can be taken orally.

Finasteride

Also known as Proscar or Propecia, finasteride is a pill that patients take daily and works by lowering DHT levels in the body. Most patients report improved hair growth after about four months of use. Patients must continue taking finasteride to maintain the results. Side effects rarely occur while using finasteride. However, the medication may cause a loss of libido, gynecomastia (swelling of breast tissue in men), and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing after sitting or lying down). The FDA approved finasteride only for men as it may cause birth defects if used by pregnant women.

Dutasteride

Dutasteride (also known as Avodart) is approved for men and works by lowering DHT levels. Studies have shown that it produces slightly better results than finasteride with comparable side effects.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a safe and effective treatment option for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Treatment generally requires monthly injections at first. After the initial phase, patients switch to a lighter schedule of several injections per year. PRP injections use patients' blood cells for treatment. Dermatologists order the removal of a small amount of blood, using a centrifuge to separate blood elements and concentrate the platelets. Patients then receive platelet injections into their scalps. The platelets release multiple growth factors that increase the production of hair follicles.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a promising treatment for pattern hair loss. Dermatologists use low-level lasers to add photons to scalp tissues, which help weak cells create new hair. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and has no known side effects. Physicians usually prescribe several treatments a week for a few months. After the initial series of treatments, patients may not need continual laser therapy as frequently.

Microneedling

Microneedling encourages collagen formation and growth factor production in the treated areas. Studies show it works best when combined with other treatments like minoxidil or PRP injections. After applying a topical anesthetic, dermatologists use fine needles to puncture the scalp's outer layer gently. Side effects can include bruising or swelling of the treated areas, but this usually subsides within a few days.

Hair Transplant

Hair transplants can be an effective treatment option for androgenetic alopecia. Dermatologists remove hair follicles from one area, often the neck, and transplant them to thin or balding areas on the scalp. Though some of the transplanted hairs may fall out within a few months, the follicles that remain in place begin to grow new hair shortly after. Patients often experience a tender scalp afterward, but pairing hair transplant procedures with other treatments like minoxidil may produce optimal results.

Hair Transplant

Hair transplants can be an effective treatment option for androgenetic alopecia. Dermatologists remove hair follicles from one area, often the neck, and transplant them to thin or balding areas on the scalp. Though some of the transplanted hairs may fall out within a few months, the follicles that remain in place begin to grow new hair shortly after. Patients often experience a tender scalp afterward, but pairing hair transplant procedures with other treatments like minoxidil may produce optimal results.

HAt-home Care

Certain lifestyle choices can promote healthy hair and limit hair loss. For example, patients should avoid harsh hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing. Tight hairstyles like cornrows and weaves can also strain hair roots. Excessive shampooing weakens hair by removing natural, protective oils. There is no one rule concerning how often one should wash their hair, but most dermatologists agree that daily washing is likely unnecessary. Dry hair, itchy scalp, or frequent hair breakage are signs of washing too frequently.

Androgenetic Alopecia Treatments at Dermatology Circle

Dermatology Circle serves all ages, adults, and kids, focusing on patient comfort, convenience, and satisfaction. After all, skin care is “person care,” and each person with androgenetic alopecia is unique. 

PHONE

+1 (646) 398-9104
+1 (914) 602-4776

ADDRESS

801 Madison avenue, 4th Floor, NY – New York, NY, 10065

OPENING HOURS

Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Friday 10AM-6PM
Every other Saturday 9AM-2PM (please, call in advance)

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