Genetic hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia is a condition characterized by symptoms of thinning hair that has it's origins rooted in your family history. If your hair is thinning or you are going bald for no apparent reason, it could be androgenetic alopecia.
Getting a diagnosis early helps in cessation of this disorder.
This loss of hair can afflict both men and women at any age. In men, genetic hair loss most often results in total baldness. In women there is hair thinning, but the hair line remains in tact. This can result in a powder keg of emotions due to effects these symptoms have on self image.
Common Symptoms of Genetic Hair Loss:
In women - Accelerated hair thinning is the most common symptom. In men - there is often a combination of a receding hairline and baldness at the crown of the head.
Signs and symptoms of genetic hair thinning can begin as early as the teenage years. For women, it rarely leads to complete baldness. However, in men this condition almost always leads to total loss of hair.
Diagnosis of Androgenetic alopecia:
Specific testing needs to be performed to rule out any other causes of the condition such as thyroid problems. This will allow a proper diagnosis to be made.
Common tests to diagnose genetic hair loss include a physical examination and health history check, the Wood's lamp and scrapings of the scalp, if deemed necessary, biopsy if lesions are present and finally the thyroid function test.
Thyroid function testing may be required if a malfunction of the thyroid is suspected. An imbalance of thyroid hormones that are necessary for hair growth can result in genetic hair loss.
There are a number of medical conditions that can contribute to genetic hair loss. Due to rapid onset, it can mimic other conditions which must be ruled out to avoid diagnosis error.
After your condition has been diagnosed, a treatment path will be decided upon. The effects of this treatment should begin to appear within the first 3-15 weeks and a much fuller head of hair should be seen at the end of the first year.
Hair loss is experienced by millions of people all over the world. With proper diagnosis and treatment you will see an end of losing your hair and a regrowth of new locks can soon follow.
Getting a diagnosis early helps in cessation of this disorder.
This loss of hair can afflict both men and women at any age. In men, genetic hair loss most often results in total baldness. In women there is hair thinning, but the hair line remains in tact. This can result in a powder keg of emotions due to effects these symptoms have on self image.
Common Symptoms of Genetic Hair Loss:
In women - Accelerated hair thinning is the most common symptom. In men - there is often a combination of a receding hairline and baldness at the crown of the head.
Signs and symptoms of genetic hair thinning can begin as early as the teenage years. For women, it rarely leads to complete baldness. However, in men this condition almost always leads to total loss of hair.
Diagnosis of Androgenetic alopecia:
Specific testing needs to be performed to rule out any other causes of the condition such as thyroid problems. This will allow a proper diagnosis to be made.
Common tests to diagnose genetic hair loss include a physical examination and health history check, the Wood's lamp and scrapings of the scalp, if deemed necessary, biopsy if lesions are present and finally the thyroid function test.
Thyroid function testing may be required if a malfunction of the thyroid is suspected. An imbalance of thyroid hormones that are necessary for hair growth can result in genetic hair loss.
There are a number of medical conditions that can contribute to genetic hair loss. Due to rapid onset, it can mimic other conditions which must be ruled out to avoid diagnosis error.
After your condition has been diagnosed, a treatment path will be decided upon. The effects of this treatment should begin to appear within the first 3-15 weeks and a much fuller head of hair should be seen at the end of the first year.
Hair loss is experienced by millions of people all over the world. With proper diagnosis and treatment you will see an end of losing your hair and a regrowth of new locks can soon follow.