Androgenic alopecia is a genetic disorder affecting both men and women. Men who suffer from this illness experience hair loss as early as their teens or early twenties. Women with this disorder do not notice considerable thinning until they are in their 30s or later. Continue reading to learn about androgenic alopecia and what alopecia treatment options are available to you before it’s too late!
What’s androgenetic alopecia?
While androgenetic alopecia is most commonly associated with men (male pattern baldness), it can also affect women (female pattern baldness). It is a genetic trait passed down through your DNA, just like blue eyes or curly hair. Sometimes, our inherited DNA might also provide us with unfavourable gifts: A good example is hair loss. The good news is that you can treat it.
How does androgenetic alopecia progress?
While there are distinct stages, progression through them may be uneven. There is no big recession of the hairline or hair loss in the first stage. The hairline begins to recede in the second stage, commonly around the temples for men. Women frequently experience thinning over the scalp. Men will experience a distinct M-shaped pattern.
In the third stage of androgenetic alopecia, you will see recession at both temples, together with substantial hair loss. Following that, the hairline continues to recede, and hair loss accelerates. The hairline extends back in the fifth stage, with a small strip of hair remaining at the crown. During the sixth and seventh stages, most of the hair on top of the head is lost. There is only a fringe remaining around the sides and back.
What other factors contribute to androgenetic alopecia?
While your genes are an essential aspect of hair loss, other factors can worsen the problem and quicken hair loss and hairline recession. Here is a list of contributing factors:
- Hormone imbalances (especially in women experiencing hair loss)
- Drugs
- Medical treatments
- Menopause
- Lifestyle factors such as trauma or poor diet
How do I treat androgenetic alopecia?
While there is no cure for androgenetic alopecia, numerous treatment options are available, ranging from topical treatments to surgical hair transplants. Vitamin shampoos may supply the nourishment that hair follicles require for minor hair loss, but they will not eliminate hair loss. More severe cases may necessitate treatment with a medicine such as Propecia or finasteride and a topical therapy such as Rogaine(Minoxidil). Laser therapy may also be beneficial.
Other alternatives include Regenera Activa therapy. However, hair transplant surgery is the only option for permanent hair restoration. In Singapore, the two most common methods are follicular unit hair transplant (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). Check out our guide to hair loss treatment for an in-depth comparison of all treatment options.
You can have a healthy head of hair.
There are ways to fight back against hair loss at any stage. While there is no cure, there are treatments that can provide you with a full head of healthy hair.
We saw the need for non-invasive, painless, needleless yet effective and affordable clinical-grade treatments based on research and technology to reverse hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. Dr Grace herself experienced hair loss issues following both of her pregnancies, so she understands how her patients feel firsthand.
With the right doctor, you can follow a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our female doctors actively supervise all hair loss treatments and have helped patients from all walks of life with hair loss problems restore their self-esteem and confidence. Contact Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic now to start your alopecia treatment journey.
