Androgenic alopecia is a condition characterized by hair loss as a result of damage on the hair follicles caused by androgens. This is commonly known as male pattern baldness. Although this condition can affect both genders, it is seen mostly in men. It results in thinning of hair and hair loss following a specific pattern. Hair loss normally starts at the area above both temples and progresses to form an “M” shape, and in some cases, it may further progress to form a “U” shape all the way to the back of the head. In some men, loss of hair starts at the crown and forms an “O” shape. It is not easily noticed at first since the area is still covered with healthy hair but as the condition progresses, the affected area gets bigger and more obvious.
Although lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of androgenic alopecia, this condition is genetic in nature and is largely X -linked. People who are genetically pre-disposed have hair follicles that are abnormally sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a male sex hormone responsible for the development of secondary male sex characteristics and hair growth. At puberty the body starts producing testosterone. An enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone to DHT thus increasing the DHT level in the body.
There are tiny structures called androgen receptors found in each hair follicle. These receptors tend to have higher affinity to DHT in people with androgenic alopecia. This high concentration of DHT inflicts damage in the hair follicles by reducing its size resulting in abnormal hair growth.
It normally takes approximately 3 to 7 years from the time a new hair grows to the time it falls off. Then a new strand of hair grows. In people with androgenic alopecia, this cycle is shortened. It has also been noted that the gap between each cycle is increased. The shrinking of hair follicles also results in the production of shorter and thinner hair in place of the ones that were shed. These new strands are of poor quality and thus more prone to breakage and falling off. As the hair follicle continues to shrink, it becomes less productive and eventually stops producing hair.
Androgenic alopecia is genetically pre-determined. Men whose parents have this condition are at a high risk of going bald later on in life. Several studies have been done on this subject and it was found that this condition can be reversed. The damaged hair follicles, even if they stopped producing hair, are still alive and thus can be restored to its original state. Researchers have found that certain chemicals such as procerin, aids in reducing the DHT level by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone to DHT. Procerin also blocks the androgen receptors found in the hair follicles. This condition can also be corrected through surgeries like hair transplant. It is also recommended to make some lifestyle changes in order to eliminate the factors that further contribute to the progression of androgenic alopecia condition.





