Androgenetic Alopecia

A number of factors have been associated with androgenetic alopecia, including:

• Age – Approximately 25% of men will see the first signs of hair loss before 21, and by age 50, around half will have experienced some degree of hair loss.

• Hormones – Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a type of androgen that can cause hair follicles to shrink in diameter over time, to a point where they shrink completely and stop producing hair.

• Genetics – The sensitivity of certain inherited genes may determine your likelihood of developing androgenetic alopecia.

• Certain conditions – Androgenetic alopecia in men has been linked to coronary heart disease, an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, insulin resistance (such as diabetes and obesity) and high blood pressure. In women, it has been linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

At OneWelbeck, our dermatology specialists will be able to make a clear diagnosis of androgenic alopecia by examining your scalp and taking your medical and family history.

If your consultant suspects your hair loss is not due to androgenic alopecia, they may examine your scalp for signs of infection, conduct blood tests, and take a sample of your hair or scalp to check for disease.

There is currently no cure for androgenic alopecia, but there are now treatments available that can slow the progression of the condition and even induce varying degrees of regrowth. Topical and oral treatments are the most common line of treatment. Platelet-rich injections and surgery in the form of hair transplantation may also be recommended in some cases.