androgenetic alopecia
Last reviewed 11/2022
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a non scarring, progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle which has a characteristic pattern of distribution (1).
- this is a common disorder affecting genetically predisposed men and women (1)
- the prevalence increases with age in both sexes (2)
- genetic factors determine age of onset and severity.
Hair loss is usually insidious, presenting as thinning rather than shedding.
In men
- tend to lose hair over the crown, along the frontal hair line, and the temples
- occasionally a female pattern of hair loss can be seen as well (1)
- type 2 5 alpha-reductase is to believed to be important in the development of male-pattern baldness.
In women
- hair loss over the frontal and central areas, but the parietal and occipital regions may be involved as well
- occasionally it may occur in a male pattern as well (1)
Reference:
- (1) Blume-Peytavi U et al. S1 guideline for diagnostic evaluation in androgenetic alopecia in men, women and adolescents. Br J Dermatol. 2011;164(1):5-15.
- (2) Schweiger ES, Boychenko O, Bernstein RM.Update on the pathogenesis, genetics and medical treatment of patterned hair loss. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010;9(11):1412-9
features of androgenic alopecia in men
role of androgens in hair growth
clinical features of androgenic alopecia in men
diagnosis of androgenic alopecia in men
treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men