Excessive hair loss is a common problem, mainly affecting men between 25 and 55 years of age. This phenomenon is influenced by many factors, including not only diet and lifestyle, but also hormones. As much as 95 percent Alopecia in both sexes is associated with a disturbance in the secretion of androgens – sex hormones. What is AGA and can its progress be stopped?
What is AGA?
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a progressive, chronic, non-scarring disease of the hair follicles located in the fronto-parietal area. It concerns about 80 percent. men and 40 percent. women. AGA can appear in both young people and seniors, however, with age, the risk of its development increases.
In its course, visible hair loss is observed, which undoubtedly significantly reduces the quality of life, self-confidence and the frequency of contacts with other people. In some cases, depression and chronic stress may also appear.
The causes of androgenetic alopecia
Disturbances in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone are observed in the pathomechanism of androgenetic alopecia. As a result of this pathology, the hair follicles gradually disappear. They are getting smaller and the hair itself is both shorter and thinner. Moreover, the hair growth cycle is shortened and the period of hair growing longer.
The results of scientific research have shown that there are also other factors of AGA formation, including perifolliculitis, as well as genetic predisposition (especially if the disease was diagnosed in the mother’s father or grandfather). Genetically burdened people must, in particular, be careful about external factors that increase the risk of baldness, including excessive exposure to sunlight, chemical irritants, nicotinism (smoking promotes the formation of free radicals that negatively affect the condition of the hair follicles), environmental pollution, stress and an unhealthy diet (rich in highly processed fast food, carbohydrates and saturated fats) ). These can make the symptoms of your condition worse or worse.
Methods of fighting androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia should be treated. Underestimating its symptoms will only speed up its progress, which may result in complete hair loss. Topical methods are very effective and popular. The most widely used compound in this case is minoxidil, which is available in preparations in two concentrations: 2 percent. and 5 percent
Numerous studies have shown that minoxidil is easily absorbed through the skin, the higher its concentration, the better the absorption. This compound directly affects the hair matrix, increasing the proliferation (multiplication) of cells, anti-inflammatory and stimulating angiogenesis (the process of capillary formation). Thanks to this, after just a few weeks of use, a person suffering from androgenetic alopecia can see hair thickening and improve its structure [1,2].
It has been proven that the product with 5 percent. the content of minoxidil is much more effective than this 2 percent. – a single application of the former corresponds to two applications of the latter. However, it is worth remembering that products with minoxidil in the composition do not affect the endocrine system and cannot be used by people with arterial hypertension [1,2].
Another compound that has been thoroughly tested for efficacy in general for AGA is finasteride. It inhibits the 5α-reductase enzyme, which is involved in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Finasteride is a drug taken by mouth (1 mg or 5 mg), most commonly in benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it should be remembered that it may cause some side effects, including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido [3].
An example of a product is a drug called LOXON MAX with 5 percent. minoxidil. It is used in the treatment of male and female andorgenic alopecia. Its effect is already observed after approx. 8 weeks of use *.
* Inhibition of hair loss was found in the second month of use, hair growth usually begins after 2 months of treatment with Loxon Max.
LOX/ML/2021/557