Noticing more hair on your brush? Your middle parting widening? No, unfortunately you're not dreaming. Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in women. It's frustrating, often unexpected, and rarely discussed as openly as it should be. Understanding why and how this hair phenomenon manifests itself can help you regain control of your hair's health.

Androgenetic alopecia: what is it?

In our previous articlewe've explained to you the etymology of the word "alopecia". Now let's see where the word "androgenetic" comes from.

Androgenetic alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by a combination of genetic factors and androgens - male hormones. This hair condition affects both men and women. The term "androgenic" refers to androgens. While "genetic" indicates that it is influenced by heredity.

This genetic hair condition is characterized by progressive hair loss. In men, this hair condition tends to develop patches of baldness or a gradually receding hairline. In women, on the other hand, a more diffuse hair loss is observed at the crown and top of the scalp. Unlike temporary hair loss which can occur for a variety of reasons. Androgenetic alopecia is unfortunately more persistent and tends to worsen over time, if not properly treated at its outset.

Up to 40% of women have some degree of androgenetic alopecia by the age of 50. By age 80, less than 45% of women still have a full head of hair. Nevertheless, if you're in your twenties and start noticing symptoms of this alopecia, it can happen. This hair condition doesn't just affect mature women, it can occur at any stage of your life, due to its link with genetics.

Androgenetic alopecia vs. androgenic alopecia: is there really a difference?

Androgenetic alopecia is the most precise term, as it refers to hair loss caused by a combination of androgen hormones such as DHT and genetic predisposition. As explained above, the word "genetic" emphasizes the hereditary nature of this hair condition, making it the preferred medical term.

Conversely, androgenic alopecia technically refers to any hair loss influenced by androgens, without explicitly acknowledging the role of genetic factors.

This difference in terminology can sometimes lead to confusion. Indeed, both terms frequently appear in medical literature, dermatology discussions and everyday conversations. Although "androgenetic alopecia" is the scientifically correct term, "androgenetic alopecia" is still widely used. This explains why the two terms are often used interchangeably.

But in the end, whatever you call it, this hair problem remains the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.

What causes androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is essentially linked to genetics. If a member of your direct family - your mother, father or grandmother - has suffered from any loss of hair density. Then you're more likely to experience it too. However, genetics is not the only factor involved when it comes to androgenetic alopecia:

Hormones

When your androgen levels change - yes, even women have them - it causes your hair follicles to shrink over time. This retraction considerably reduces your hair growth cycle. This is why, at menopause, alopecia symptoms can worsen, due to a considerable fluctuation in your body's androgen hormones.

DHT

Visit DHT is a derivative of testosterone. This hormone plays an essential role in androgenetic alopecia. In women suffering from androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles are much more sensitive to DHT. This high sensitivity weakens and thins your hair considerably. Even so, testosterone levels are lower in women - as a general rule - than in men. The presence of a small amount of DHT in your body can contribute to hair loss.

Age

As you age, the different phases of your hair growth cycle shorten, resulting in slower growth and thinner hair strands. Hair follicles may produce thinner hair, and some may even go into a resting phase, causing bald spots or patches on your scalp.

Other health problems

If you suffer from polykistic ovarian syndrome or have thyroid problems, then you are more likely to suffer from androgenetic alopecia due to these hormonal imbalances.

Is it possible to stop androgenetic alopecia?

Even though there's no magic cure - yet - for androgenetic alopecia. Certain treatments and products can slow down the hair loss process and even allow your hair to grow back little by little.

Some treatments have been validated as effective against androgenetic alopecia by the FDA - the US Food and Drug Administration - such as :

Minoxidil

It's the only FDA-approved topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil stimulates hair follicles and helps regrow hair when used regularly.

Spironolactone

Often prescribed to women with high levels of androgens in their system. This oral treatment blocks androgens in your system, thereby blocking DHT.

Other treatments and options for this hair condition exist. There is, for example, low-intensity laser therapy. This treatment uses laser helmets to stimulate hair growth by improving blood circulation to your scalp. Platelet-rich plasma treatment - also known as PRP - involves taking a small amount of your blood, processing it and injecting it into your scalp. This method encourages the growth of your hair follicles.

If, after testing the above options, you don't see any particular progress, there's one last, more radical but potentially expensive option. Hair transplantation is a more invasive procedure, but can offer longer-lasting results.

You can also incorporate scalp care into your daily hair routine. Simple gestures such as regular massages or the use of products that are adapted and gentle to the health of your hair will improve your blood circulation and curb potential hair loss and breakage.

Finally, improving your lifestyle is crucial to treating androgenetic alopecia. Incorporating foods containing essential nutrients such as protein, iron and omega-3 into your diet will help strengthen your hair and promote regrowth.

Our final take away

It's true that many people suffer from androgenetic alopecia. Some manage to live with it, but that doesn't mean you should give up and live with it if it's not what you want. Whether it's through medical treatment, improving your lifestyle or improving your hair routine. There are many ways to promote better hair health.

The most important thing to remember is that your hair does not define your worth.