Understanding Alopecia Androgenetica: Male or Female Pattern Baldness

Alopecia Androgenetica (sometimes also referred to as Androgenic Alopecia or “AGA”) is the formal name given to hair loss and baldness with genetic causes. Once primarily attributed solely to men, we know now that this kind of hair loss is common in both men and women, hence its more common name, “Male or Female Pattern Baldness.” Many clinicians refer to it simply as AGA. Whatever you call it, it is characterized by thinning hair and receding hairlines and can be the most difficult hair loss condition to treat.

Although there are different patterns for hair loss between men and women with AGA, the root causes in both are typically due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. From the genetic perspective, research has uncovered the role of a class of hormones, called androgens, in pattern baldness. The androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of the sex hormone testosterone, plays a significant role in both men and women, as excessive amounts of DHT stimulate an immune reaction and inflammatory response that severely damages hair follicles. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in the quality of the hair and, eventually, to its loss.

To understand hair thinning and hair loss, a basic understanding of hair growth is important. Structures under the skin called follicles are responsible for hair growth. The average strand of hair on the head grows for 2 to 6 years after which it goes into a resting phase. At the conclusion of this phase, the hair naturally falls out and the cycle starts over, with the follicle growing new hair.

With an excess of activity in androgen receptors in hair follicles, the period the strand of hair grows is decreased. As well, the hair grows back thinner and shorter, and often there can be a delay in the growth of new hair once a strand falls out.

As mentioned above, there are additional factors related to hair loss beyond those that are genetic in nature. Environmental factors are also implicated, as common contaminants such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides can generate free radicals that damage follicles and impair healthy hair growth. Similarly, excessive stress and nutritional deficiencies can also lead to hair thinning and loss. As a result, the best approach to treating AGA is multidimensional, including not only appropriate hair care, but also particular lifestyle choices.

Where thinning hair or hair loss is concerned, there are a number of environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors to consider. For example, the following have shown to be helpful for mitigating hair thinning and hair loss:

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables to provide the body with all the micronutrients it requires for healthy hair growth.
• Avoid foods that deplete the body of nutrients, including refined flour and sugar and processed foods.
• Get regular exercise, which helps increase circulation everywhere, including the scalp.
• Be sure to get good quality sleep as it is essential for hair renewal and growth.
• Cover your hair when in prolonged sunlight to reduce exposure to damaging rays.
• Consider a dietary supplement providing sufficient amounts of the B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and E, and the minerals zinc and silica.

A more detailed approach to lifestyle and dietary approaches to hair care can be sought from natural health professionals such as nutritionists and naturopathic physicians.

The choice of hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner, and topical serums can also have a dramatic effect on AGA. The goal in this approach is typically three-fold: to block the over-production of DHT, to nourish hair follicles, and to strengthen and thicken new hair growth. This is where the Thymuskin® product line shines. With its patented, research-based formula, Thymuskin® inhibits different enzymes that are responsible for hair loss. At the same time, it reactivates hair follicles, stimulating the creation of new hair and prolonging the hair growth phase.

With smart dietary and lifestyle choices and optimal hair care products such as Thymuskin® shampoo and topical serums, you can safely and effectively protect hair and hair follicles, infuse vital nutrients into the scalp, prolong the natural hair growth cycle, and see clinically proven results.

Resources

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#causes

https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/1997/3/cover97

https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/6/support-healthy-hair-and-scalp-regeneration

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529369

https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/environment-and-lifestyle-causes-for-hair-loss/

Balch, P. A. (2002). Prescription for Herbal Healing. New York, NY: Avery Publishing.

Balch, P. A. (2010). Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th ed. New York, NY: Avery Publishing.

Balch, J. F. & Stengler, M. (2004). Prescription for Natural Cures. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.