Androgenic alopecia : understanding it to fight it better

What is androgenic alopecia ?

Androgenic alopecia, also known as hormonal baldness, is a natural phenomenon affecting the hair environment in both men and women. Although this condition mainly affects men, it can also affect women, and its causes are often linked to genetic and hormonal factors.

What causes androgenic alopecia in women ?

In women, androgenic alopecia may be due to physiological factors, but is often exacerbated by underlying illnesses. Hair loss can occur at different stages of a woman’s life, often after major hormonal events such as :

• menopause

• pregnancy

• hormonal treatments.

Understanding androgenic alopecia

Definition and prevalence

Androgenic alopecia is characterized by progressive hair loss, mainly on the crown of the head and temples. Unlike uniform hair loss, this condition manifests itself in specific areas of balding. In men, the signs of androgenetic alopecia usually appear in their thirties, while in women, symptoms can occur later in life.

Main causes

1. Hormonal factors: Excessive testosterone and other androgenic hormones play a crucial role in hair loss. These hormones make hair more fragile, accelerating hair loss.
2. Genetic predisposition: Androgenetic alopecia, as the name suggests, is often inherited. People with a family history of baldness are more likely to develop this condition.
3. Use of hormonal contraceptives: The pill interferes with the body’s hormonal balance.

Differences between men and women

In women, hair loss due to androgenic alopecia is generally more gradual. Hair loss often begins after the menopause and can vary with the seasons. In addition, several factors can aggravate this condition in women, including the use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, stress, and high cholesterol levels.

Biological mechanism of androgenic alopecia

Androgenic alopecia results from a complex interaction between androgen hormones and hair follicles.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from testosterone, plays a central role in this process. By binding to hair root receptors, DHT reduces follicle size and slows hair growth. This process gradually leads to the miniaturization of hair follicles, reducing hair density.

Contributing factors

Genetics and predisposition

Family history is a major factor in the development of androgenic alopecia. If your parents or grandparents have suffered from hair loss, there’s a good chance you’ll be affected too. The genes responsible can be inherited on either the maternal or paternal side.

Hormonal influences

Male sex hormones, or androgens, are crucial in the manifestation of androgenic alopecia. In particular, DHT seems to have a marked influence. Although produced in normal quantities, some people have an increased sensitivity of the hair follicle to DHT, aggravating the effects of hair loss.

What are the symptoms in women?

Initial symptoms

The first indication of androgenic alopecia is often a slight reduction in hair thickness and the appearance of a balding area at the top of the scalp. Some people also notice a receding hairline, an early sign of the condition.

In women, this hair loss may be localized at the top of the skull, widening the central parting. It can also appear on the sides, creating a loss of hair mass visible to the naked eye. In women, hair loss is less sudden than in men, progressing more slowly and is less severe.

Other symptoms may appear, particularly in young women with a predisposition to hyperandrogenism:acne, menstrual disorders, more abundant hair growth. The most common syndrome is polycystic ovary syndrome.

Progression stages

To assess the severity and progression of hair loss, doctors generally use the Norwood-Hamilton classification for men and the Ludwig pattern for women.

These systems divide hair loss into several stages, from minor local degradation to complete baldness.

Therapeutic approaches

Medical treatments

Several medical options are available for patients suffering from androgenic alopecia:

1. Minoxidil: A topical treatment that stimulates hair growth.
2. Finasteride: An oral medication that reduces DHT levels.
3. Dutasteride: Similar to finasteride but potentially more effective.

Surgical options

For those whose condition does not improve with medication, certain surgical procedures can offer lasting results:

1. Hair transplant: Transplantation of hair follicles from unaffected areas to balding areas.
2. Scalp reduction: Reduce the peeled surface and stretch adjacent hairy areas.

Non-medical solutions

In addition to medical and surgical interventions, there are other methods for managing hair loss:

1. Wigs and hairpieces: Accessories for temporarily masking thinning hair.
2. Specialized cosmetics: Thickening powders, coloring sprays, etc.
3. Micropigmentation: Scalp tattooing to give the appearance of increased hair density.
4. Hair supplements: Certain supplements like [MY] DENSITIVE HAIR SERUM are serums specially designed to restore hair density.

Psychological impact

Self-esteem and anxiety

Losing your hair can have profound emotional implications. Many people associate their physical appearance with their identity, and a change in this can cause stress and reduced self-confidence. Many report feelings of embarrassment or social anxiety linked to their new appearance.

Support and adaptation

It’s important for patients to find support mechanisms and coping strategies to get through this difficult period. Support groups, psychological counselling and even open discussions with friends and family can play a crucial role.

Common myths about androgenic alopecia

Shampoos and hair care

A popular myth is that frequent use of shampoo can cause hair loss. However, there are no solid scientific studies to support this claim. Nor does not washing hair regularly protect against baldness.

Helmets and hats

Another mistaken belief is that wearing helmets or hats frequently causes androgenic alopecia. In reality, they have no effect on DHT-induced discomfort of the hair follicles.