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Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss that affects both men and women. Over time, the problem becomes more and more troublesome, and hair loss is more and more visible. Men usually save themselves by completely shaving their hair, which allows to hide local deficiencies. Androgenetic alopecia contributes to much deeper discomfort in women, in whom the loss of entire hair strands can turn into a trauma.
Androgenetic alopecia – not only a male problem
In women, androgenetic alopecia proceeds evenly – there is usually a gradual loss and thinning of the hair, without the formation of completely bald areas or receding of the hairline. In men, the problem is manifested by thinning of the hair around the temples. Men’s hair also becomes thinner at the top of the head – in most cases it is possible to avoid complete baldness. Androgenetic alopecia in men leaves a mark in the form of bands of hair on the sides and back of the head. However, before this happens, the hairline shifts first, the bends become visible and the so-called crease is created. high forehead. When the bulbs on the top of the head die, a small bald spot is also formed in this place, which systematically enlarges its area. At some point, the hair on the male head forms a characteristic “wreath”, which proves that androgenetic alopecia is already in an advanced stage.
Factors predisposing to androgenetic alopecia
Certain factors may predispose to the development of androgenetic alopecia. These include smoking cigarettes (especially addictive), genetic tendencies, white race. Also, strong, chronic stress can intensify the symptoms of alopecia. 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone, which is one of the products of testosterone metabolism in the hair follicles, has a negative effect on the condition of the hair. It is difficult to prevent alopecia – all the more difficult because its cause often lies in genetic predisposition or is related to the hormonal balance. People at risk of androgenetic alopecia (e.g. whose father and grandfather struggle with this problem) should certainly stop smoking and try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. It is worth signing up for yoga or learning other techniques for dealing with tension and controlling stress.
Androgenetic alopecia – methods of treatment
There are also a range of shampoos and conditioners to use as part of your treatment. In this case, however, you cannot count on spectacular results, because their action is focused on the surface. It is worth supporting professional therapies with them, but they should not replace specialist treatment. It should be noted that many cosmetic lines can slow down the progression of androgenetic alopecia, provided that they are used for a long time. Similar effects are also obtained as a result of long-term intake of dietary supplements.
Attention is drawn to the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma, which has been used in medicine for years, but only recently has it been used to fight baldness – also androgenetic. The treatment includes from several dozen to several hundred injections into the scalp.
It should be noted that there are also alternative methods of treating androgenetic alopecia, such as microneedle therapy, which can bring satisfactory results – both in men and women. Special punctures lead to an inflammatory reaction, in response to which the body intensifies regenerative processes in a given area. As a result, the scalp is better supplied with blood, and therefore receives more oxygen and nutrients. In this way, the hair follicles gain “fuel” to fight for the health and condition of the hair.