Androgenetic alopecia, a form of hair loss in men and women. But it likely to occurs more in men. But it is most common in men. The pattern of hair loss is different in both genders. In females, it is a hair fall or a more visible scalp. But in males, it occurs in a well-defined pattern. A receding hairline is one of the earlier and most common signs. Then thinning of hair from the temples, vertex and front part of the head. Later on, it leads to the partial or complete hair loss.
An American doctor, James B. Hamilton described the seven stages of male pattern baldness. Also known as “Seven Stages of The Norwood-Hamilton Scale”. It is widely used by surgeons to decide which type of treatment should be given. These Seven stages are:
Stage 1: Very little hair fall but some may have high hairline.
Stage 2: Slight hair loss at temples or frontal area of the head.
Stage 3: Visible receding hairline at temples, forming M or U-shape hairline.
Stage 4: Hair loss at the top of the head (crown), very deep frontal hairline.
Stage 5: Frontal hairline recedes back till it meets the bald patch of crown.
Stage 6: Complete hair loss at the crown.
Stage 7: A very thin band of hair is present at the side and the scalp becomes completely bald at the top.
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by several reasons. Mostly men are affected in older age. As testosterone level decreases with increasing age. Sometimes, it also affects men at younger ages. Stage 1 baldness is commonly diagnosed at age 20-21. If a person is male, then he has 1 X chromosome from the mother and 1 Y chromosome from the father. It is inherited from the AR gene, present on the X chromosome. Simply it is transferred by a carrier mother. Baldness in men is caused by dihydrotestosterone – an androgen that belongs to the group of sex hormones. This androgen stimulates the growth of hair in follicles. But sometimes it overstimulates causing shrinkage of the follicle. Hair sprouting from this follicle is thinner and shorter, hence causing Androgenetic alopecia. It is also caused by thyroid disorders, coronary artery disease and prostate cancer in men.
The side effects of a few medicines can also cause hair loss. Drugs like cimetidine and retinoid antidepressants such as lithium can also be the cause of alopecia. Inflammation in the scalp causes scalp infection. It creates itchy scalp patches which lead to hair fall in that area.
Androgenetic alopecia cannot be prevented. There are some reasons like genetics, age and hormones that cannot be altered. It is easier to control it in its earlier stages. If someone notices thin hair or receding hairline in his 20s, he should immediately start taking steps to minimize hair loss. First of all, diagnose the main cause of baldness. It’s better to treat the underlying cause to prevent further hair loss. Few changes in your lifestyle can prevent hair loss. For example, massaging the scalp will improve blood circulation in the head and promote hair growth. Stress is also a major factor causing hair loss. The Intense amount of stress can trigger hair loss. So, stay stress free. Another major reason is poor quality products, they also lead to hair loss. The use of shampoo that contains sulfur and hair colors having ammonia should be avoided.
Quite smoking! Despite having many other adverse side effects. It also decreases the flow of blood in the follicles. Resulting in poor hair growth. Consuming protein, iron and vitamin E-rich diet benefits hair health. That includes eggs, green leafy vegetables, vitamin C-rich fruits, seeds and nuts, carrots, whole grain, soybeans etc. Food with a higher amount if biotin is also very beneficial in this condition.
Androgenetic alopecia can’t be prevented but can be treated medically and also by some home remedies. Medical treatments are given according to the condition of hair loss in a person. For instance, it’s better to control hair loss at its initial stages by medicines and home remedies. Many medicines are available to cure baldness, like Minoxidil, Oral Finasteride, anti-androgens etc. Take these medicines with a prescription from your health care provider.
Another method for having hairs on bald patches is to have a hair transplant. A patch of skin containing healthy hair is placed on the bald spot. This type of treatment is best suited for men with inherited alopecia.
Another method is Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) technique. It is a method in which hair growth is stimulated by blood. The plasma is then extracted and injected into the affected area. Low-level laser therapy is also used to stimulate hair growth, low-level laser beams are used. Some home remedies includes the use of Aloe-Vera. It is used to soothe the itchy scalp. Apply freshly extracted aloe-vera to stop inflammation. Another natural herb, rosemary is famously used to stop hair loss. It promotes the circulation of blood in the follicle. Use of onion is also very common for hair growth. It contains a high amount of sulfur that also regulates blood circulation, preventing Androgenetic alopecia.
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