What Is Androgenetic Alopecia and Can it Be Treated?
Hair loss is a problem that affects many people, both male and female. Our hair loss clinic offers treatment for all types of hair loss, enabling patients to improve their appearance and boost their level of confidence. At True and Dorin Medical Group, we examine the cause of hair loss in each of our patients in order to determine the most adequate treatment. By understanding the cause and type of hair loss, we can better predict how the problem will progress and how it can best be treated for our patients. One of the most common types of hair loss among our New York patients is androgenetic alopecia. Here we discuss the specifics of this condition and how it can be treated.
What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for thinning or hair loss, while “androgenetic” refers to the type of hair loss that is present. Many people do not understand that there are actually many types of hair loss, each with its own unique causes and characteristics. Understanding these differences is important in the successful treatment of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition. This type of hair loss is one that patients are genetically pre-disposed to and is more commonly known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, as it can affect patients of either gender.
Patients with androgenetic alopecia are genetically prone to a sensitivity (of the follicles) to androgens, more specifically, DHT. DHT is a derivative of the male hormone, testosterone, which can also be found in low levels in females. For those with this sensitivity, DHT can shrink hair follicles and prevent the growth of new hair follicles. Over time, this will result in thinning and hair loss.
The age at which androgenetic alopecia begins to take effect varies by each patient, as does the extent of hair loss that is experienced. However, the pattern of hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia tends to be predictable. In most cases, women with this condition tend to experience thinning all over the scalp, while men suffering from androgenetic alopecia tend to develop distinct patterns of baldness. Understanding these patterns and the cause of hair loss allows Dr. True and Dr. Dorin to more effectively treat this condition.
Treatment
Androgenetic alopecia does not pose any threat to one’s health and does not require treatment. However, most patients choose to treat this condition rather than face the aesthetic consequences of hair loss. At our practice, we offer many forms of treatment for androgenetic alopecia. We combine grafts and medical treatment to provide patients with safe and effective methods for combatting hair loss. Hair transplantation, which transfers donor hair follicles to the site of hair loss, is one of our most popular forms of treatment. This method allows for even distribution of hair and ultimately results in restored hair volume. For those experiencing androgenetic alopecia, this is a treatment worth considering.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have begun to notice thinning hair, a receding hair line, or progressive hair loss, True and Dorin Medical Group is here to help. We offer a range of treatments that restore volume to a patient’s hair while improving confidence and security. To learn more about the types of hair loss treatments available to you, schedule an appointment with Dr. True or Dr. Dorin at your earliest convenience. Let hair loss be a problem of the past.
