Medical dermatology · Hair and scalp
Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness): causes, diagnosis and treatment
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men and women. Due to genetic predisposition and the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the follicles produce increasingly finer and shorter hairs, a process called miniaturization. It is progressive, but can be controlled with ongoing treatment, which reduces progression and can recover part of the hair density. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, diagnosis, digital trichoscopy and treatment are carried out by dermatologists.
Symptoms and how to recognize it
- Men: receding temples and thinning on the top of the head (crown)
- Women: diffuse thinning on top, with a wider part
- Finer, shorter and lighter hairs in the affected areas
- Scalp more visible under direct light
Causes and risk factors
Androgenetic alopecia results from the genetic predisposition of some follicles to the action of DHT, a derivative of testosterone. Under this action, the hair growth phase shortens and the hairs become progressively finer. In women, hormonal changes such as polycystic ovary syndrome and menopause can contribute.
Diagnosis
The dermatologist assesses the pattern of thinning and the family history and performs digital trichoscopy with FotoFinder®, which shows the variation in hair thickness typical of miniaturization. Blood tests may be ordered to rule out associated causes, such as anemia and thyroid and hormonal changes.
Treatments
Treatment is ongoing and combines medications with in-office procedures.
- Oral and topical medicationsThe basis of treatment, prescribed according to sex, age and history.
- Hair MMPMedication delivered to thinning areas.
- Hair mesotherapyMicro-injections of active ingredients into the scalp.
- Scalp microneedlingScalp stimulation and absorption of active ingredients.
- Capellux®Hair LED therapy as a complement.
Living with it and prevention
- Start treatment early, while the follicles are active.
- Keep treatment going continuously.
- Look after your diet, sleep and associated diseases.
- Repeat trichoscopy to monitor the response.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if you notice more pronounced receding temples, thinning on top of the head, a wider part or finer hair. The earlier the treatment, the better the result.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is baldness inherited from the mother?
Androgenetic alopecia has complex genetic inheritance, influenced by genes from both the mother's and the father's side.
If I stop treatment, will I lose hair?
Yes. Because pattern baldness is progressive, stopping treatment makes hair loss resume its natural course within a few months.
Do baldness medications have side effects?
Some may have adverse effects, which are discussed at the appointment and monitored during treatment. The choice considers sex, age, pregnancy plans and health history.
Does a hair transplant solve it?
A transplant redistributes hair to the thinner areas, in selected cases, but does not stop progression. Medical treatment remains necessary.
Team
Medical team
See also