Androgenic (androgenetic) alopecia is a pathological irretrievable hair loss . This is a process that is permanent in nature, in contrast to seasonal hair loss associated with a lack of vitamins and a decrease in immunity.
Causes androgenetic alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is associated with the harmful effect of the biologically active form of the male sex hormone testosterone - dihydrotestosterone - on the hair follicles. This can occur both with an increased content of male hormones in the body (which is often associated with hormonal, gynecological diseases, adrenal gland tumors, etc.), and with their normal number.
A key role in the process of hair thinning belongs to the development of a special enzyme, which turns an inactive form of testosterone into an active one. The amount of synthesized enzyme, as well as the sensitivity of hair follicles to its action, is determined at the genetic level. Thus, androgenic alopecia is a hereditary disease. And the propensity to lose hair is transferred to a greater extent by the maternal, and not by the father's line.
Symptoms of androgenic alopecia
Penetrating into the cells of the hair follicles, dihydrotestosterone causes dystrophy of the hair. The hair becomes thinner, becomes short, almost colorless and can no longer cover the scalp. After a while, the mouth of the follicles is completely overgrown with a connective tissue, losing the possibility of hair growth.
In women, baldness has its own characteristics. So, hair thinning begins with a central parting, and then spreads to the side surfaces of the head. The frontal border of the hairline is, as a rule, preserved.
The process of hair loss can last for a long time almost imperceptibly. If, with proper care, there is increased progressive progressive thinning of the hair, it is necessary to sound an alarm immediately.
Diagnosis of androgenic alopecia
A modern method of diagnosing this pathology is phototrichoscopy. This is a research method that allows you to accurately determine the density of hair, the parameters of their growth, assess the degree of disease and the severity of the process, which is very important when choosing a method of treatment.
If suspected of androgenic alopecia, studies are also conducted to exclude the presence of abnormalities in the endocrine system, the work of the adrenal glands, ovaries, and the pituitary gland.
Is there a cure androgenetic alopecia?
To date, the problem of baldness, even caused by genetic factors, is solvable. But one should be prepared for the fact that treatment of androgenic alopecia is a long process. There are several methods of treating this pathology in women:
- Antiandrogen therapy - treatment with drugs for external use in the form of sprays, solutions and foam. The most effective and safe from the means of androgenetic alopecia was the drug Minoxidil, approved by European
and American specialists. It has a direct effect on the follicles, stopping hair loss and promoting their growth. It is interesting that the exact mechanism of the effect of this substance on the renewal of hair growth is still unknown. - Laser radiation of low frequency is a rather effective method, which presupposes a course of procedures in a clinic with the use of a laser device, and the use of a laser comb at home.
- Mesotherapy with androgenic alopecia , suggesting a subcutaneous injection into the scalp of the nutrients, is a method that can only be used in combination with other methods. By itself, mesotherapy with this type of baldness will not give an effect.
- The surgical method is hair transplantation. Hair follicles are taken from those areas of the head that are not affected by active testosterone, and are transplanted to the areas of alopecia.