Androgenetic alopecia or Hereditary-pattern baldness
Hereditary-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss seen in both men and women. Eighty million Americans suffer from this condition called Androgenetic alopecia or hereditary thinning. This article examines this type of hair loss.
Shape of hair loss
In men, the hair growth line in the front of the head and the waist area starts to fall back, as well as the hair on the back and top of the head. Over time, the hair growth line will shape like the letter M. In more severe cases, the retraction of the hair growth line is complete, joining the back and above the head, and baldness occurs. In women, the problem is usually the thinning of the hair and can be seen all over the head. Androgenic hair loss in women rarely results in complete baldness.
Outbreak and start time
About 50 million American men and 30 million women suffer from this problem. Androgenetic alopecia can begin even in adolescence, but generally begins in the third or fourth decade of life. This type of hair loss in women usually begins after menopause.
Although the definitive cause of Hereditary-pattern baldness is still unclear, researchers consider the involvement of hormonal factors as the most important cause of this type of hair loss. Under the influence of male hormones known as Androgens, especially dihydrotestosterone (which are also present in lower levels in women), the natural course of hair growth varies in some people, leading to shorter and thinner or so-called hair growth. It becomes a miniature. As the problem progresses, hair growth stops completely in some places, causing baldness in that area. The hair on the head area have androgen receptors, but the activity of these receptors is not the same in all individuals. People with androgenic hair loss are more responsive to androgen receptors than to the androgen hormone in their hair follicles, causing changes in the hair’s growth cycle and eventually stopping its growth.
Prevention and treatment
There are many ways to prevent or treat hair loss. It should be noted that the cause of hair loss must first be determined and then treated. In cases where hair loss is not androgenic, such as a deficiency of a mineral, heavy diet, or certain diseases, hair loss may also be reduced or stopped by treatment or a remedy. Unfortunately, most of the methods recommended for androgenic hair loss do not produce satisfactory results. Of the many treatments available, only the efficacy of the two therapies has been validated by all universities and reputable scientific authorities. These two treatments include oral Finasteride with propecia brand name and Minoxidil topical solution with Rogaine brand name. Although both medications should be prescribed by your doctor, it can be generally said that Finasteride is effective in the treatment of many men’s hereditary hair loss, but it is not only ineffective in women, but may also have side effects. Topical minoxidil solution is used in both sexes, but problems such as the need for daily use of the solution and hair loss if treatment is discontinued exist. Recently, injections have been used under the scalp and in hair loss areas by some dermatologists. These include mesotherapy for the injection of collagen and vitamins under the scalp and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP or platelet-rich plasma). The effectiveness of these methods is being investigated by research centers.
The only definitive way to treat Hereditary-pattern baldness in both sexes is to have permanent hair replacement by a procedure known as Hair Transplant or Restoration Surgery. Unlike the different hair of the head and the back and top of the head, the hairs on the lower half of the head are not sensitive to androgen hormones and do not fall off. In other words, follicles or roots do not have many androgen receptors. In the procedure of hair transplantation, the follicles of the lateral and back regions are surgically removed and implanted in areas with hair loss. These hair grow back over a period of months and no longer fall under the influence of androgen hormones. The best treatment results are seen nine months to a year after surgery. Depending on the amount of hair loss and the availability of hair follicles in the back and forth areas, usually 1000 to 7000 grafts (on average 2500) are implanted in one or more surgical sessions in the hair loss areas. The cost of a hair transplant is usually calculated on the basis of each graft in a few dollars (US). Unfortunately, this is not covered by most insurances and the relatively high cost has to be paid by the patient. However, with the advent of technology, it is hoped that the cost of this procedure will also be adjusted and affordable to anyone with hair loss.