Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia or Male Pattern Baldness and Female Pattern Baldness can take many shapes and forms on the head. Diagnosing androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is difficult, to say the least. Some forms of female hair loss are measured on what researchers have called the Ludwig Scale. It is a limited but accurate way to measure female hair loss. With female pattern baldness, women rarely go completely bald. Instead, there is a visible thinning of the hair.

So how do I know if it's androgenetic alopecia? A blood test for androgenetic alopecia will determine if you have inherited AGA. Female androgenetic alopecia is just one form of hair loss in women, is likely to appear during times of high hormonal change, and identified by overall thinning rather than patchy spots. Did you get androgenetic alopecia from mom or dad? Quite possibly, as it is a gene inherited from either side of the family. It can start in the teens, twenties, thirties or even later. This puts the myth of baldness coming from the mother’s side of the family, although it is a stronger gene. However, even if you are predisposed to androgenetic alopecia does not mean you will lose your hair. Three major factors play into kick starting AGA into action: hormones, genes, and age. A 70-year-old man may start to lose his hair now because all three factors kicked in. Ironically, the male genes of AGA are unidentified. This suggests that genetic engineering to prevent AGA is still many years away.

There is no cure for androgenetic alopecia. Medical treatments are available that may help. Rogain is the only medication proven effective in men and women. Hair transplants are a consideration for both men and woman who have androgenetic alopecia. Your dermatologist will help decide which treatment or series of treatments is right for you.

Some women develop a pattern of hair loss due to age, genetics, and male hormones that increase after menopause. It is different from Male Pattern Baldness. The side effects of androgenetic alopecia in women include breast soreness; however, you and your physician should be aware that another side effect is an adverse effect on the quality of life.

You can find pictures of androgenetic alopecia on the internet. Your dermatologist should have some pictures for you in his or her office. Discovering your androgenetic alopecia health is important so you can research your options and decide what is best for you.