Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia
Hair loss, to some extent, is something every person encounters in their life. For women, it can be associated with pregnancy and childbirth, while for men the cause of this condition often lies in age-related changes or hormonal imbalance. Dietary mistakes, stress, illnesses, disorders of the endocrine system, as well as other factors, can lead to hair loss. If the time has come to search the internet for "androgenetic alopecia what is it," then the problem has not passed you by. Let’s delve deeper into the topic to dispel some myths surrounding the situation.
Androgenetic alopecia

What is androgenic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is thinning and hair loss. Later, the patient faces the formation of noticeable bald patches in characteristic areas of the scalp. In the International Classification of Diseases, androgenetic alopecia (AGA) represents hair loss with a typical distribution according to male or female patterns. The condition develops in patients with a genetic predisposition. Under the influence of male sex hormones, the hair follicles in sensitive areas gradually decrease in size, and the hair gradually or actively falls out. In a normal state, androgens are produced in small amounts even in healthy women. Alopecia, dependent on hormonal balance, is considered the most common form of hair loss in men. It is diagnosed in women over the age of forty. The risk of hair loss significantly increases after menopause and affects about 75% of women over sixty-five. The process develops over several years, each year affecting a larger number of follicles. The disease often begins to develop before the age of forty. But this is all individual and also depends on the hereditary factor. If no one in the family has suffered from this condition, the risk of its development is statistically about 10% of the total number of cases.
Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia Causes

Why does the disease develop? Below are the main factors:
  1. Increased testosterone levels in the blood.
  2. High sensitivity of the skin to androgens.
  3. High level of the enzyme that converts inactive testosterone precursors into testosterone.

Signs of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

Androgenetic alopecia in women develops slowly. Usually, it is successfully masked as regular hair loss. There are several characteristic symptoms. Changes in the density and structure of the hair should alert the patient. The hair becomes thinner, loses volume and thickness. Slowed growth of new hair. Focal or diffuse hair loss, thinning in the parting area. Increased oiliness of the scalp. Replacement of normal hair with fuzz. Instead of strong hair, thin ones grow. After hair loss, recovery takes a long time. Associated hormonal disorders. Increased hair growth on the face and body. Menstrual cycle disturbances.
Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

How to treat it? The methods that have shown effectiveness are listed below:
  • Medication therapy using topical agents that stimulate hair growth. Suitable for both male and female patients and selected individually.
  • Cosmetic and hardware techniques. It is necessary to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. If an endocrinologist’s consultation is required, it should not be refused. Based on the recommendations of these specialized doctors, the most effective treatment protocol is selected.
  • Hair transplantation. A more radical method. Used as an auxiliary therapy. In cases of pronounced baldness, transplantation of hair follicles from a donor area is performed.
  • Lifestyle correction. It is necessary to make changes in diet and daily routine. Bad habits should be abandoned. Alcohol, smoking, and late bedtimes must be left in the past. It is advisable to include proteins and a vitamin-rich diet in the food basket.
  • Using mild shampoos shows good results (for example, with ketoconazole).
  • In seborrheic dermatitis, take proper care of the scalp and hair.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without a head covering, use special cream. Protect the scalp from hypothermia.
Androgenetic alopecia
If you have androgenic alopecia in women symptoms that you noticed after reading this material, you should see a doctor. If hair loss gradually or suddenly increases, and signs of thinning appear, it is time to visit an endocrinologist for proper diagnosis and selection of a therapeutic method. The chances of preserving the hair cover increase with timely medical consultation and appropriate measures. Do you think this is androgenic alopecia can it be cured? Don’t worry! Medicine does not stand still and is constantly evolving. New methods of treating scalp problems and related diseases are emerging. The key to success lies in eliminating the cause of the disease. Have you noticed signs of androgenic alopecia in women? Start with a visit to a therapist. He will guide you in the right direction. You may need a consultation with a gynecologist, trichologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, and other related specialists.