Androgenetic alopecia in women

Essentially, hair for women symbolises beauty and femininity. This has a great influence on every woman’s self-esteem, since it is something that the public can see and talk about. That is why it is very difficult for all women who experience hair thinning or hair loss.

One of the most familiar type of hair loss among women is androgenetic alopecia which is acquired genetically. It usually begins after puberty and before the menopausal age which is around the 40 to 50-age range.

Unlike men whose alopecia begins with thinning on both sides of the head, then extends to the middle, the balding in women starts with a diffuse hair loss, especially at the part line at the top of the head. The pattern of baldness in women is measured through the Ludwig Scale.

So how does androgenetic alopecia occur in women? As I have explained in previous articles, women also have a certain level of testosterone.

Due to genetic predisposition, an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase alters the normal hormonal activity, especially with the androgen. The testosterone is supposed to retain its natural state, but under these circumstances, the 5 alpha-reductase converts testosterone into a very irritating derivative called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Due to DHT’s very potent nature, it shrinks the hair follicles by sending signals to the androgen receptors within the follicles to inhibit hair growth.

This is the reason why the hair cycle is shortened and the hair keeps getting thinner and more brittle. With the passing of time, this can lead to total balding, if this condition is left untreated.

Aside from genetics, hair loss can also be caused by other factors such as hormone imbalances or stress. This is the reason why I always emphasise the importance of early detection so that you can manage or prevent further thinning of your hair. When you notice significant clumps of hair on your hair brush, you must visit your doctor and trichologist immediately.

In as much as proper treatment is important to address this genetic problem, I would say this again: early management is still the key for better hair and scalp health. If this condition goes within your bloodline, then you should start taking care of your scalp, even if there are no signs. This means that by the time you start noticing some shedding, it will be easier to manage.

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia depends on the degree of balding. But it does not necessarily mean that your doctors would have to wait for balding before prescribing treatment. Aside from medications and therapies, there are also a lot of home remedies and routines that are available to manage the thinning. In addition, you may also opt to test the science of cosmetology, through the use of wigs and turbans.

We will discuss these camouflage techniques in my next article. Until then, stay robust and healthy.

Germaine Williams Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT, NC) and nutrition consultant (NC), http://germainewilliamsbeckles.

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