Androgenetic alopecia: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Androgenetic alopecia, or baldness, is hair loss due to a genetic predisposition, which leads to the growth of thinner and thinner hair, which can occur in men and women.

Hair loss can begin at any age after puberty, but is more common in older people, especially after the age of 50 and if there is a family history of baldness.

When androgenetic alopecia is suspected, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. Treatment can be done with medications such as minoxidil and finasteride, hair transplant or laser therapy, for example.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of androgenetic alopecia are:

• Fine hair strands;
• Thinner hair;
• Hair loss, especially on the top of the head;
• Receding hairline.

Hair loss typically begins after puberty and, although it is slow, tends to get worse over time. Additionally, the symptoms of androgenetic alopecia tend to develop differently in men and women.

Female androgenetic alopecia

In female androgenetic alopecia, it is common for the front part of the scalp to be more affected, where thinner and thinner hair can be noticed, but without altering the hair growth line on the forehead. See the first signs of androgenetic alopecia, or baldness, in women.

Although sometimes androgenetic alopecia in women can also cause increased hair loss, it is rare for the top of the head to be affected or for complete hair loss to occur.

Male androgenetic alopecia

Male androgenetic alopecia tends to be initially noticed by increased hair growth on the forehead. Furthermore, it is common for the top of the head to also be affected over time.

Possible causes

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by an abnormal response of hair follicles on the scalp, which is where hair grows, to androgen hormones such as dihydrotestosterone due to a genetic predisposition.

Although androgenetic alopecia can begin to develop after puberty, it is more common in older men and women after menopause, especially after the age of 50 and with a family history of baldness.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is made by a dermatologist based on the identification of the hair loss pattern and, in some cases, a family history of baldness.

In addition, the dermatologist can perform a dermoscopy exam, to observe the hair in more detail, and recommend tests, such as the measurement of ferritin or thyroid hormones in the blood and, sometimes, a scalp biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. . Check out other causes of hair loss.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of androgenetic alopecia can initially be done by applying medications such as minoxidil and finasteride in the form of solutions, gel or foam to the scalp. However, results may take between 4 to 8 months to be noticed.

In the most serious cases, for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, finasteride, minoxidil and, especially for women, spironolactone or cyproterone may be indicated, for example, in tablet form.

In addition, sometimes hair transplantation can also be opted for to correct hair defects, or laser therapy to stimulate the growth of new hair. Discover the main ways to treat baldness.

Is there a cure for androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia has no cure. However, in some cases it is possible to stop hair loss through appropriate treatment, which allows new hair to grow, improving appearance.

Read too: Is alopecia curable? 6 treatment options
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