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What is Androgenetic
Alopecia?
Androgenetic Alopecia is the medical name for the most common
type of hair loss. It is more commonly known as pattern baldness.
The term can be better understood by breaking it down. "Andro"
refers to "Androgen" which covers any of the various
hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine
characteristics like Testosterone. The term "Genetic"
means the inheritance of a gene for hair loss from either
the mother or father side of the family. The term Alopecia
simply means the loss of hair. There are other types of Alopecias
like Alopecia Areata. However, Androgenetic Alopecia is what
affects 95% of adults who are experiencing hair loss.
How does Androgenetic Alopecia Develop?
The genetic factor inherited from either parent coupled with
other variables such as age, will signal the hair follicle
to start producing an enzyme known as 5 alpha reductase. When
this enzyme combines with the testosterone already present
in the hair follicle it produces dihydrostestosterone
or DHT. When exposed to DHT the genetically sensitive
hair follicles shrink and weaken. Therefore, when androgenetic
alopecia occurs large active hair follicles in specific areas
begin to change to smaller less active ones that shrink slightly
with each new growth cycle. Gradually, the hair shaft produces
finer hair (peach fuss) and eventually the hairs stop emerging.
Many believe that this process may also be affected or worsened
by other factors such a sebum and cholesterol build-up, poor
circulation to the scalp and even the aging process.
So what causes Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic Alopecia is caused by DHT. Due to the genetic
predisposition for hair loss, the hair follicles have many
receptors for DHT. The DHT attaches to those receptors stunting
its growth and eventually preventing it. In addition to the
genetic pre-disposition there are other important factors
that may affect the hair follicle's suseptibility and response
to DHT.
To stop hair loss, the goal is to block
the DHT and protect the hair follicles from its effects.
In this website we discuss the varios natural products that
have been shown to have dht blocking effects and other factors
and products that are important to stop hair loss.
Hair Loss Causes and Influencing Factors-
Can Androgenetic Alopecia be cured?
Currently, there are no "cures" for Androgenetic
Alopecia, only treatments. However, many of these treatments
are beginning to allow us to slow down, and in some cases
even halt hair loss. In this website we explain the scientific
advcances that have been made in the understanding of androgenetic
alopecia and the strategies and products that have been developed
as a result.
Hair Loss Solutions-
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