What is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic Alopecia is a condition of hair loss that is common in both men and women. It is also known as male pattern baldness for men. In Androgenetic Alopecia for men, hair is lost in a pattern, starting from the temples above. As time progress, the hairline recedes to take an "M" shape. Hair also starts to get thin. For women, the process is different. The hair does get thinner, but the hairline does not recede. It is common for men to get complete baldness, but not for women with Androgenetic Alopecia.
Causes
Researchers are still unsure about the risk factors that can cause Androgenetic Alopecia. But they believe a variety of environmental and genetic factors can lead to this condition. They have learned Androgenetic Alopecia is related to Androgens. They are hormones that are crucial for sexual development. They also regulate sex drive and hair growth in both men and women.
Researchers think some genes can contribute to this form of hair loss, but only variation in one gene called AR has been confirmed so far. This gene is crucial for making an androgen receptor, a protein that helps the body to respond to DHT or Dihydrotestosterone and other androgens properly. But it is still unclear how changes in genetics increase the chances of androgenetic alopecia in men and women.
Researchers think some medical conditions, such as heart disease and prostate cancer, etc., can increase the risk of Androgenetic Alopecia as they can elevate androgen levels. But they continue to investigate the connection.