Genetic hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a condition that causes significant reduction in scalp hair through the loss of productive hair follicles. In women, this form of hair loss triggers a thinning of hair on the top and crown of the scalp, but rarely results in complete baldness.
The Basics
Although genetic hair loss can begin to affect women as early as their teen years, most cases develop after menopause, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Genetic Home Reference. The condition occurs when increased levels of sex hormones called androgens trigger changes in the normal life cycle of your scalp hair, leading to shortened periods of active growth and the production of thinner, shorter hair strands. Over time, this process causes noticeable hair thinning.
Genetics and Hormones
Doctors do not fully understand all of the genetic factors involved in hair loss, but they have identified a gene involved in the process, called the AR gene, the Genetics Home Reference reports. This gene promotes hair loss by altering the actions of proteins called androgen receptors, which normally help your body deal with the effects of an androgen called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is produced in your hair follicles when testosterone interacts with a follicle enzyme called type 2 5-alpha reductase, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Although women have only small amounts of testosterone when compared to men, the amount of DHT produced from this testosterone can be sufficient to trigger the balding process.
Menopause
After menopause, lowered estrogen levels may trigger hair loss in genetically susceptible women, the American Hair Loss Association reports. This occurs when estrogen loss creates a hormonal imbalance, leading to an intensification of the effects of DHT. Since hormone influence runs in cycles, you may experience fluctuating levels of genetic hair loss, as well as short-term, intermittent periods of hair growth.
Risk Factors
You have an increased risk for the development of androgenetic alopecia if you have a close relative with the condition, the Genetics Home Reference explains. The U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus lists advancing age as an additional factor in the syndrome. In addition to menopause, the American Hair Loss Association lists underlying hormone-related factors in androgenetic alopecia that include pregnancy and the use of birth control pills with a high androgen index.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor will typically diagnose genetic hair loss based on the appearance of your hair, in addition to eliminating other potential hair loss causes and reviewing your medical history, Medline Plus reports. To combat hair loss, your doctor may recommend the use of a 2 percent concentration of a topical medication called minoxidil. In roughly 25 percent of cases, minoxidil use triggers the growth of new hair. In other cases, the medication may help slow the progression of hair loss. If you do not respond to minoxidil, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication called spironolactone. You may also disguise hair loss through the use of wigs, hair weaves or hairpieces.
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