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Androgenic alopecia causes hair loss in a distinct pattern, starting at the temples. It is caused by a high level of DHT, a male hormone, in the scalp. Treatment options include chemical and herbal treatments, as well as dietary changes.
Androgenic alopecia is a form of hair loss that commonly affects both men and women. Sometimes referred to as male pattern baldness when it occurs in men, the condition causes hair to fall out in a distinct pattern starting at the temples. For males, the pattern begins with a receding hairline and balding on the crown of the head, while females often experience thinning hair all over the head. Known as female pattern baldness, the widespread thinning of hair and the absence of a receding hairline can also affect males.
Male pattern hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia sometimes results in complete baldness, but hair on the back and sides of the head often remains. Women with this condition rarely lose all of their hair, and the hair loss is more gradual. The presence of the cytochrome enzyme may be a potential reason for the differences found in males and females with androgenetic alopecia. Cytochrome metabolizes androgens into estrogen, which helps women maintain lower androgen levels.
A high level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp is typical of people with androgenetic alopecia. DHT is a type of androgen, a male hormone. Hair loss occurs in men because DHT binds to androgen receptors on hair follicles, preventing a normal growth cycle. Male hair follicles also have a genetic sensitivity to DHT. Genetic predisposition causes hair follicles to shrink when they come in contact with the hormone, shortening the life span of the follicles.
The causes of androgenetic alopecia can include both heredity and environmental factors, but a number of circumstances can trigger or increase the rate of hair loss for women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can stimulate the action of androgens that cause hair loss. Ovarian cysts or taking high androgen index birth control pills can also cause initial hair loss.
Chemical treatments for men with pattern baldness include finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, effectively lowering the level of DHT in the scalp. Minoxidil slows hair loss and may help stimulate a small amount of hair growth, but the drug does not affect the hormones that cause hair loss. For those who don’t want to use chemicals on their hair, many herbal treatments are also available.
Hair loss treatments for women sometimes differ from those used by men. Chemical treatments are available for women, but natural supplements and dietary changes can also help slow the progression of female pattern baldness. Eating adequate amounts of protein along with protein-metabolizing nutrients can help greatly. Supplements containing vitamin B6, magnesium, and biotin can be beneficial because they help the body in the process of breaking down proteins.
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