The origins of your hair loss is one subject that you’re certain to query, especially if the cause of your thinning locks isn’t exactly obvious – which it often isn’t!
Alongside stress, vitamin deficiency, weight loss, and disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your genetics could put you at higher risk of developing hair loss. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the role genes play in the health and vitality of your hair, how you can identify genetic hair loss, and your treatment options.
While there are many factors that make hair loss more or less likely from individual to individual, some types of hair loss are more linked to genetics than others. Androgenetic alopecia – more often referred to as male or female pattern baldness – for example is common within family groups. This means if you have a relative with pattern baldness you are generally at a greater risk of developing the condition yourself.
Like many types of hair loss however, androgenetic alopecia has been linked to several causes, including hormonal fluctuations. Sufferers tend to have higher levels of hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which directly impacts how hair grows. In fact, excess DHT causes the shrinkage of follicles and the shortening of the entire hair lifecycle.
Genetic hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia, is diagnosed by the physical examination of the scalp. This particular type of alopecia is extremely distinctive, hence the term ‘pattern baldness’. Here Alopecia UK explains what to look out for in male and female sufferers:
“Androgenetic Alopecia tends to look different between males and females. In men, the typical pattern of hair loss is a receding hair line with loss of hair from the top and front of the head, often in a classic M-shaped pattern. In women, the usual pattern of hair loss is thinning at the crown of the head, with the frontal hairline over the forehead remaining. It is less likely that a woman will experience total baldness as a result of Androgenetic Alopecia.”
Due to the hormonal causes of androgenetic alopecia, your doctor may want to undertake blood tests. These will be used to measure hormone levels, which could be stabilised to slow down the effects of androgenetic alopecia.
While there is no cure for androgenetic alopecia, treatments can be used to slow the onset of symptoms. Topical treatments like minoxidil and oral medication such as finasteride can provide results for those suffering from male or female pattern baldness, even if your specific condition has been inherited. It is important to note however that the underlying genetic cause will remain unchanged.
Such treatments can delay the onset of genetic hair loss. Genetic testing is also now being used to determine if an individual is genetically predisposed to alopecia, but this is far from accurate. Genetic testing does however offer those at risk of genetic hair loss a chance to understand the condition and plan ahead for treatment.
Whether your hair loss or thinning is the result of genetics or other factors, our wigs and hairpieces provide the coverage you need to learn to live with its effects. Find your style today to get started.
