HEREDITARY HAIR LOSS

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is hereditary hair loss in which the hair gradually thins.

Read how to recognize this form in men and women and what role hereditary predisposition and sensitivity to DHT play.

Briefly summarized

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hereditary hair loss.
Hereditary predisposition and sensitivity to DHT cause hair to gradually become thinner and shorter.
In men, receding hairline and thinning on the crown often occur; in women, the parting usually widens.
The process is generally gradual and may increase further over time.

MEDICALLY EXPLAINED

What happens with androgenetic alopecia?

In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp are genetically sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As a result, the hair growth phase gradually becomes shorter.

New hairs grow back increasingly thinner and shorter. This process is called miniaturisation and causes hair density to slowly decrease. The hair follicles initially remain present, but produce fewer and fewer visible hairs.

Read about follicular miniaturisation

RECOGNIZABLE PATTERNS

How does androgenetic alopecia differ in men and women?

In men: the hairline often recedes at the temples, creating a receding hairline. Later, the crown may also become thinner. The areas may gradually spread toward each other.
In women: the centre part usually becomes wider, and the hair on top of the head gradually loses density. The front hairline is often largely preserved.

CAUSE AND MECHANISM

What role do genetic predisposition and DHT play?

DHT is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. DHT occurs naturally in the body and does not cause hair loss in everyone.

In people with a hereditary sensitivity, certain hair follicles react more strongly to DHT. This shortens the growth phase and accelerates miniaturisation. A family history of hair loss increases the likelihood of AGA, but does not accurately predict when it will develop or how severe it will be.

Read about 5-alpha-reductase

GRADUAL PROGRESSION

How does hereditary hair loss progress?

Androgenetic alopecia usually develops slowly. There is not always a sudden increase in hair loss; often, the hair gradually becomes finer and the visible hair density decreases.

The first changes may include deeper receding temples, a thinner crown, or a widening part. The rate varies from person to person. The process may appear stable for a while and later become more noticeable again.

Photo: How does hereditary hair loss progress?

POSSIBLE APPROACH

What support is available for androgenetic alopecia?

De juiste aanpak hangt af van het patroon, de voortgang en je persoonlijke situatie. Minoxidil kan bij sommige mensen de haargroei ondersteunen en verdere verdunning helpen afremmen. Het moet consequent worden gebruikt om het effect te behouden.

Voor mannen kan een arts daarnaast medicatie bespreken die de invloed van DHT vermindert. Deze middelen zijn niet voor iedereen geschikt en kunnen bijwerkingen hebben. Voedingssupplementen behandelen de erfelijke oorzaak niet, maar kunnen de normale conditie van het haar ondersteunen wanneer relevante voedingsstoffen onvoldoende aanwezig zijn.

Laat bij twijfel eerst beoordelen of het daadwerkelijk om alopecia androgenetica gaat.

Gebruik je minoxidil? Lees dan ook over tijdelijke minoxidil shedding en mogelijke bijwerkingen van minoxidil.

Important to know

Androgenetic alopecia usually progresses gradually. Sudden, patchy, or rapidly increasing hair loss may be consistent with another cause. Have the hair loss professionally assessed if the pattern is unclear or if you also experience itching, redness, flakes, or a burning sensation.

Questions about androgenetic alopecia

Genetic predisposition plays an important role, but the pattern is not determined by a single gene. Predisposition can be inherited from both the father and the mother. Hair loss in the family increases the likelihood of androgenetic alopecia, but does not precisely predict when it will develop or how severe it will become.

Yes. In women, the central parting usually gradually widens, and hair density decreases on top of the head. The front hairline often remains largely intact. In men, receding temples and thinning at the crown are more common.

Androgenetic alopecia is a chronic process that usually progresses gradually without treatment. Early recognition can be important, as support generally has a better chance of helping while the hair follicles are still present. The outcome and progression vary from person to person.

DHT is a hormone produced from testosterone. In people with an inherited sensitivity, certain hair follicles react more strongly to DHT. As a result, the hair’s growth phase becomes shorter, and new hairs gradually grow back thinner and shorter.

Minoxidil may support hair growth in some people and help slow further thinning. The effect varies from person to person and usually only becomes visible after several months. To maintain the results achieved, minoxidil must be used consistently and long term.

Have hair loss assessed when it develops quickly, clearly increases, occurs in patches, or is accompanied by itching, redness, flaking, or a burning sensation. Assessment is also advisable when the pattern is unclear or before starting treatment. For a medical assessment, you can request a hair consultation at Intermedica Hair Clinic.

FIND WHAT SUITS YOU

Which support is right for your hair loss?

The TRIX Hair Check helps you better understand your situation and shows which TRIX Basic products may be suitable for you. The Hair Check does not provide a medical diagnosis.

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