Tell me more about Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) or pattern alopecia, is an exceptionally widespread disorder affecting both men and women, where hair loss occurs at a slow pace over the years. In general, the occurrence of AGA is higher in males than females, although some proof suggests that the noticeable differences in occurrence may be an indication of different expressions in males and females.

Androgenetic Alopecia may also be determined as a genetic disorder and may develop through the slow translation of ‘terminal hairs’ into ‘indeterminate hairs’ to the final ‘vellus hairs.’ Patients with AGA may have a reduction in the terminal-to-vellus hair ratio, usually about 4:1. Following the reduced size of the follicles, fibrous tracts remain. Patients with this disorder typically have a patterned distribution of hair loss. In male AGA patients, hair loss occurs in the front-temporal area and on the apex of the scalp, depending on severity. In female AGA patients, it is spread on all areas of the scalp. Men on the other hand, rarely have spread thinning, but instead have more distinct patterns of baldness. Some women may have a blend of two pattern types.

Androgenic Alopecia in women can be caused due to the action of androgens, and is likely due to a variety of factors coupled together with certain actions of hormones, including ovarian cysts, the intake of high androgen index birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause. Just like in men, the hormone DHT appears to be at least partially to blame for the reduced size of hair follicles in women suffering with female pattern baldness.

Early hair loss due to AGA can be an indication that hair loss will progress rapidly and will continue until most hair is lost. Contact Dr. Reese for more information on hair restoration procedures that can help you.