Condition: Androgenetic Alopecia

Also referred to as male-pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of progressive hair loss.

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of progressive hair loss – also referred to as male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness, or just common baldness. It commonly affects men earlier than women.


What causes it?

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of hereditary and hormonal factors. A hormone known as dihydrotestosterone is known to cause hair loss by inducing some changes in the hair follicles by causing them to shrink in diameter Eventually the follicles shrink completely and stop producing hair. For men the hairline recedes and/or a bald patch enlarges over the crown. In women the parting may widen and the scalp becomes more visible through the hair.


How can it be treated?

There is no current cure for androgenic alopecia, but treatment can slow the progression of the condition or induce varying degrees of regrowth. Topical and oral treatments are available, and so is surgery in some cases.


Condition overview
Androgenetic Alopecia