The first time you hear the term androgenetic alopecia, you may be overwhelmed by the sound of it. You may think it is some kind of exotic plant, but this is not the case. Androgenic alopecia is simply the term that refers to the [link]male pattern [link]baldness[/link][/link]. Androgenetic alopecia does not pertain only to men however. Women also suffer from androgenetic alopecia.
As you learn more about androgenetic alopecia, you will discover that although androgenetic alopecia affects both men and women, there is indeed a definite pattern to the way this condition manifests.
The manner in which hair loss takes place with androgenetic alopecia is that typically, hair is lost in a definite pattern that ultimately takes the shape of the letter M. As you watch the way hair tends to recede at the crown and over the temples you can see the reference to the letter M. this is the pattern of hair loss that typically affects men.
This pattern is quite different in women who suffer from androgenetic alopecia. In women, although the actual pattern is similar, you will find that this condition hardly ever results in complete baldness.
The term andorgenetic alopecia suggests that this kind of hair loss is linked to the action of androgens. It occurs when hair follicles become sensitive to androgens, more specifically a particular androgen known as dihydrotestosterone.
Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, plays a major part in the normal sexual development of males even before birth. But more importantly, DHT plays a major role during puberty. It is the action of DHT that is responsible for the distribution of hair growth among other functions.
When it comes to alopecia treatment, you have a choice of two medications, both approved by the FDA: finasteride and minoxidil. These two products are considered first and second line treatments respectively. Vasodilators have also been used to stimulate hair growth.
Alopecia treatment can also take the shape of simply going for hair transplants. Hair transplanting is the process of taking hair that is not prone to thinning or balding and transplanting it from the back of the head to the hairline in front.
Alopecia treatment can also be accomplished through surgery. However, although this may serve the purpose from the cosmetic point of view, the issue that confronts doctors is the need to transplant enough hair follicles over the area of baldness.
Because of this, the process of micro grafting is often used instead and tends to look more natural. Micro grafting is a popular form of alopecia treatment. Scalp reduction is another form of popular treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Scalp reduction is the process of reducing the area of the scalp over which hair is to be transplanted. The trouble with this technique is that it produces scars that tend to look more pronounced with the passage of time.
Finally, another form of alopecia treatment involves a technique of hair weaving, which, in combination with hairpieces, constitutes a satisfactory choice for the patient.
Androgenetic alopecia is the pattern of balding found most predominately in men, but not uncommon in women. Treatments vary, but the hopeful fact is that it can be addressed and the return of a full head of hair is a very real possibility.