Androgenetic alopecia is a common condition in both men and women. It is genetic, or inherited. It is caused by a shortened "growth phase" of the hair's life cycle, which normally lasts 2-3 years. The hair is slowly replaced by thinner hair. Hormones regulate the replacement of the thick hairs by the thinner finer hairs.
Baldness and Hair Loss
Men and women naturally lose hair as they age, with about two-thirds of men either bald or showing a pattern of baldness by age 60. Yet other hair loss can be triggered by sudden physical or emotional stress, childbirth, crash diets, medication such as antidepressants, autoimmune conditions such as lupus, and thyroid diseases. Another form of hair loss, called alopecia areata, causes bald patches on the scalp, beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. Discuss any sudden hair loss with your doctor.
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RealAge answeredAdvances in hair transplant surgery over the last few years have made this a promising treatment option for many people. The most common type of hair loss treated with a hair transplant is male pattern baldness. But it may also work for other types of hair loss, such as female pattern baldness, hair loss that is not on the head (for example, the eyelashes, eye brows, moustache or beard area) and hair loss due to scarring alopecia from burns, surgery or trauma. Success rates for these conditions are high, and most people can expect natural, fuller hair growth within a few months.
Hair transplants are not usually effective for people with alopecia caused by an active scarring disease, such lichen planopilaris or frontal fibrosing alopecia, unless the disease has become inactive. -
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Discovery Health answeredThe American Hair Loss Council reports that patchy hair loss, also called alopecia areata, affects millions of men, women and children to various degrees. This non-scarring, inflammatory condition is usually temporary. It comes in episodes by nearly 90 percent of those who have it. Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune disease where cells from an individual's own immune system prevent hair follicles from producing hair fiber. In most cases, the body will reverse the problem over time. However, those affected even temporarily can experience low self-esteem and depression. Often, they need help from family and friends.
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation says only about 20 percent of alopecia areata cases are hereditary, unlike androgenic alopecia (permanent patterned balding), where heredity plays a more prominent role.
No diagnostic test has been developed for alopecia areata, but an experienced dermatologist most often can identify it. Doctors sometimes need to take a small skin biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. The disorder causes patchy hair loss, often appearing as smooth patches on small areas at various locations on the scalp (occasionally, on other body parts as well). These patches can appear suddenly, as quickly as 24 hours, and some people report feeling tingling or pain at the site.
Various types of alopecia areata include:- Alopecia totalis - An advanced alopecia areata resulting in total hair loss on the scalp
- Alopecia universalis - Another advanced alopecia areata resulting in hair loss over the entire body
- Traction alopecia - Where hair loss is caused by physical stress and tension on the hair.
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Dr. Doris Day, MD , Dermatology, answeredThis is a procedure in which rows of hair, along with the underlying skin are taken from unaffected areas at the back of the scalp and inserted into the balding areas. When the skin is then sewn or stapled back together, there is merely a fine line that remains that is covered by the surrounding hair. There is a very low risk of scarring and skin infection when the procedure is done correctly so be sure to choose a board certified doctor who comes highly recommended.