Androgenetic alopecia in Women is a hair loss condition caused by hormones. It affects men and women differently and can cause hair to fall out in an “M” shape or have a thinning crown. Treatment options and prevention are also discussed in this article.
Female pattern hair loss causes androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia in women is a condition characterized by thinning hair throughout the entire scalp. This type of baldness affects about 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. It is hereditary and can be treated with medication or surgery. It is more common in women than in men and may occur at any age after puberty.
This condition is progressive, nonscarring, and characterized by the miniaturization of follicles into vellus hair fibers. It is the most common type of hair loss in men and women, and can reduce quality of life. It has been given a variety of names, including androgenic alopecia and female pattern alopecia.
This condition is characterized by a gradual decline in hair density that typically affects the frontal scalp and vertex of the scalp. In most cases, female pattern alopecia does not progress to baldness, but hair loss related to it can be disabling. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can reverse hair follicle miniaturization and encourage regrowth.
Early diagnosis is crucial for minimizing further hair loss. The diagnosis also allows the doctor to plan a treatment plan with medications that are approved to treat the condition. One FDA-approved drug for female pattern baldness is minoxidil. This drug can regrow a significant amount of hair and can help give the hair an overall thicker appearance.
Genetics is another factor in female pattern baldness. The genes that cause hair loss can be passed down from parents to children. This means that a person with the gene for this condition will be more likely to develop this condition. Generally, the hair loss in a person with this gene is caused by an endocrine disorder or a hormone-secreting tumor.
Endocrine condition causes it
Endocrine conditions such as androgenetic alopecia in females are often caused by a hormonal imbalance. Elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, can lead to hair loss. DHT is produced by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. When levels of DHT increase, the body produces more androgen. The elevated androgen levels cause hair follicles to shrink, cutting off oxygen, and leading to shorter anagen and prolonged telogen phases.
Androgenetic alopecia in women is the most common type of hair loss among both men and women. It usually begins between the ages of 12 and 40. Early hair loss is usually insignificant, but over time, the loss will become noticeable. By the age of 50, about half of individuals will experience visible hair loss. In women, early hair loss is often covered up by hair styling.
The cause of androgenetic alopecia in woman is not known for certain. Scientists have noted that androgen receptors in hair follicles activate genes that shorten the hair cycle. As a result, hair follicles gradually shrink, and nonpigmented vellus hairs replace pigmented terminal hairs. Women with this condition usually exhibit thinning in various areas of the scalp, but the thinning is often more noticeable in frontal areas. Frontal hair loss is almost always associated with a thin fringe, which may resemble a monk’s haircut.
The main goal of treatment for androgenetic alopecia in woman is to address the underlying abnormality. Physical treatments are also commonly used to treat the problem. Oral contraceptives are useful contraceptive pills, which help regularize menstrual cycles, and also reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Physical treatment is typically combined with medical therapy.
The first step in diagnosing androgenetic alopecia in a woman is to rule out other conditions that may be causing hair loss. Several endocrine conditions are associated with hair loss. Hypopituitarism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis are all considered endocrine disorders. The symptoms of these disorders are often the first clinical signs of an underlying endocrine condition.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options for androgenetic alopectic alopecia in women, including topical minoxidil solution. However, advanced alopecia may not respond to treatment. In such cases, the follicular stem cell may be irreparably damaged. The current preferred treatment for androgenetic alopecia in women is a topical minoxidil solution, 2 percent of which is injected into the scalp to increase the follicle’s anagen phase. This helps convert vellus hairs into terminal hairs and slow shedding.
The use of finasteride, a prescription medication, can slow or stop the hair loss in some women. It works by inhibiting the production of DHT, the hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia. It can stop hair loss in its tracks and even reverse it, if it is already irreversible. In trials, patients on finasteride saw an increase in hair growth compared to placebo. Women taking the drug should be aware of the side effects, however, including increased risk of depression, libido, and fatigue.
Androgenetic alopecia in women is usually diagnosed through a scalp biopsy and blood tests. It can be frustrating to lose your hair, but it is not uncommon for women to lose hair as they age. The problem is made worse by society’s message that a youthful appearance is more attractive. It can also cause a decrease in self-esteem and body image.
Treatment options for androgenetic alopcia in women include oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. There are also a number of other treatments available, but these have limited clinical evidence and are not recommended for everyone with androgenetic alopecia.
A genetic predisposition is another factor in androgenetic alopecia. It is thought that the onset of the condition is inherited, although it is not clear why. The condition may also be caused by an underlying endocrine condition. For example, an adrenal gland or pituitary gland tumor can secrete androgen hormone. While this may not be the cause of alopecia in women, it is thought to be a contributing factor.
There are some treatments for androgenetic alopecia that can help grow hair. These include low-level laser light devices which are typically used three times a week for several minutes. Another treatment for this condition involves the use of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. This procedure involves injecting platelets from the patient’s own blood into the scalp. Since platelets play a key role in wound healing, they can stimulate hair growth.
Prevention
In both men and women, androgens play a role in baldness. These hormones play an important role in the normal development of male sexuality and have important functions in both sexes. Androgenetic alopecia is thought to be inherited and may involve several genes. It can also result from an underlying endocrine disorder, such as a tumor in the pituitary gland or ovary. The exact role of androgens in androgenetic alopecia is unclear in women, however.
Treatments for androgenetic alopecia in woman can include a combination of medications. The most common medication is finasteride, which reduces levels of ovarian androgens in the hair. Other treatments include minoxidil or dutasteride. PRP and microneedling are other treatment options, but they are less commonly used. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about all options before choosing one. The therapy should be chosen based on its effectiveness and side effects as well as the cost and convenience for the patient.
Low-level laser light devices can be used to promote hair growth in some people with androgenetic alopecia. These devices are usually used for a few minutes three times a week. Another method involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. Platelets are involved in wound healing and can also stimulate hair growth.
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment can be either gradual or progressive. Usually, hair loss in women starts in the frontal area and progresses toward the crown of the head. Symptoms may not be obvious for a long time, but there are early warning signs to look for. The first step in treating androgenetic alopecia in women is identifying the type of hair loss that you have. If the problem is widespread, the doctor can perform blood tests to rule out other underlying conditions.
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