Hair loss can occur at any point in life, and can be triggered by anything from influenza to stress. Age-related alopecia can be brought on by age and prematurely due to many different causes. Most men can notice this kind of hair loss as early as their 30s.
Identification
Age-related alopecia is called androgenic alopecia--pattern baldness. Both women and men have pattern baldness, although the areas of hair loss are different and the pattern of hair loss differs. Pattern baldness can be attributed to age, hormonal imbalances, medicine side effects, medical conditions and diseases.
Symptoms
Age-related hair loss for men will start from the hairline and recede back, until the hair is missing from the entire crown of the head, resulting in a horseshoe shape of hair remaining around the head. Typically, the hair loss starts off as thinning until there is complete baldness on the crown. For women, pattern hair loss occurs as widespread thinning over the top and front of the head. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, this kind of hair loss affects one-third of all susceptible women, with most of the hair loss occurring after menopause. Androgenic hair loss in men begins in their 30s and increases with age. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, men in their 20s have a 20 percent chance of hair loss, men in their 30s have a 30 percent chance, men in their 40s have a 40 percent chance and so forth.
Causes
Researchers have found this type of hair loss to be related to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, which is an androgen--male hormone. The Genetics Home Reference states androgens regulate hair growth and the sex drive in both males and females. Hair actively grows in a span of two to six years and then rests for several months after. During this resting phase, hairs begin to fall out. As this cycle repeats itself, new hairs grow in the place of the lost ones. When the levels of androgens increase, the hairs grow back shorter and shorter in each of these cycles. The hair will also be thinner as it grows back.
Treatments
The only FDA approved treatment for pattern baldness in women, according to MedlinePlus, is minoxidil, 2 percent, generally sold as Rogaine. This is a topical solution that's purchased over the counter. Minoxidil works for 20 to 25 percent of women. In most women, however, it will slow down or stop hair loss. This treatment must be continued or loss will reoccur. Women who don't want to use anything medicated can disguise the area by using weaves, wigs or hair pieces. Men can use Rogaine as well to restore hair growth. This solution can be purchased as a foam or lotion and is to be applied twice a day. Another medication for men to restore hair growth is Propecia. Propecia is an oral medication that must be prescribed by a doctor. This medication can only be taken by men and is never recommended for hair growth in women. According to MedlinePlus, Propecia is more effective than minoxidil. Surgical options for hair restoration in men and women are hair implants and transplants.
Warnings
If the balding is patchy or consists of any scarring or scabs, see a dermatologist.
