Genetic hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a form of hair loss that occurs through the combined actions of heredity and the hormones called androgens. It is also known as male or female pattern baldness. Treatment options for genetic hair loss include the use of several medications, as well as the transplantation of healthy hair from unaffected areas of the scalp.
Genetic Hair Loss
Because of the complex genetic and environmental factors involved, scientists do not fully understand the hereditary mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Genetics Home Reference. However, they have established the existence of certain clear patterns. For instance, genetic hair loss tends to run in family bloodlines. If you have a close relative with androgenetic alopecia, you have an increased risk for developing the condition at some point in your own life.
Minoxidil
Both men and women may treat genetic hair loss with the nonprescription medication minoxidil, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus. Minoxidil is applied directly to your scalp, where it stimulates hair follicles. In some cases, use of this medication will encourage the growth of new hair. In other cases, use of minoxidil will only slow the rate of hair loss. In either circumstance, the benefits of minoxidil only remain during active use of the medication, and your previous rate of hair loss will return once treatment stops. Minoxidil is the only drug for female pattern baldness approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Finasteride
Men may also treat genetic hair loss with an oral medication called finasteride, Medline Plus reports. This medication achieves its effects by reducing the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which can degrade the health of hair follicles and promote baldness. As with minoxidil, use of finasteride may trigger new hair growth or slow your current rate of hair loss. The benefits of treatment also stop when you discontinue use of the medication. However, finasteride generally provides superior treatment results when compared to minoxidil.
Spironolactone
Women who do not gain satisfactory results from minoxidil may use a medication called spironolactone to combat the effects of genetic hair loss, Medline Plus notes. Spironolactone achieves its hair loss-related effects by slowing androgen production in your ovaries and adrenal glands, as well as blocking the effects of DHT in your hair follicles, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Use of this medication can cause significant increases in your blood potassium, and you should strictly avoid it if you are pregnant or have kidney failure.
Transplant and Replacement
Men with androgenetic alopecia may also hide their hair loss through the use of hairpieces, hair weaving or a change in hairstyle, Medline Plus explains. Both men and women may also undergo hair transplantation, which involves the placement of tiny plugs of healthy hair in areas of your scalp affected by baldness. If you choose hair transplantation, you may experience some degree of scarring at the site of hair plug removal, in addition to a minor risk of skin infection.
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