Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
Androgenetic alopeciainherited hair loss in a set pattern
Androgenetic alopecia is inherited hair loss in a set pattern, called male pattern baldness in men and female pattern hair loss in women. It is not a disease but a predisposition. In men the hairline recedes and the crown goes bald; in women the hair thins on top of the head without real bald patches.
- What is androgenetic alopecia?
- How do you get androgenetic alopecia?
- What does it look like?
- Is androgenetic alopecia contagious?
- How is the diagnosis made?
- Does it need treating?
- What treatments are available?
- What can you do to cover bald areas?
- What can you do yourself?
- Frequently asked questions about androgenetic alopecia
What is androgenetic alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia means you lose part of your hair. Both men and women can develop it. In men it is also called male pattern hair loss, in women female pattern hair loss.
How do you get androgenetic alopecia?
Predisposition plays a large role. You can already carry the predisposition at birth.
What does it look like?
In men the front of the head goes increasingly bald with bald areas at the sides, after which the crown balds too. The balding spreads until almost all the hair on top has gone; a fringe of hair always remains. In women the hair thins in the middle of the head, so the scalp shows through. Women do not get real bald patches and keep their hair at the front.
Is androgenetic alopecia contagious?
No. Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited predisposition and cannot be passed from person to person.
How is the diagnosis made?
In men androgenetic alopecia is usually immediately visible. In women further examination is sometimes needed.
Does it need treating?
No. Because androgenetic alopecia is not a disease, treatment is not necessary. There are a few options, but the balding cannot be resolved permanently.
What treatments are available?
There is a liquid treatment and a tablet treatment.
Liquid: minoxidil lotion, applied to the scalp twice a day, can reduce hair loss. It sometimes causes irritation. Only after six months of use can you see whether it has helped, and when you stop the hair falls out again.
Tablets: tablets only help men, in the form of finasteride. This should stop the hair loss, and in about a third of men hair also returns; on stopping, the hair falls out again. In women finasteride has not been shown to work, and women of childbearing age must not use these tablets.
Various other treatments are also used whose effectiveness has not yet been shown in studies.
What can you do to cover bald areas?
A hair transplant moves hair from the back of the head to the front; that hair does not then fall out, but you pay for the treatment yourself. A wig or hairpiece is a good solution for some, with insurers often covering part of the cost for women. Camouflaging with hair dye on the scalp can also give a good cosmetic result.
What can you do yourself?
Some people lose confidence through hair loss. If this affects you, discuss it with your doctor, who can help you find the right support.
Frequently asked questions about androgenetic alopecia
Is androgenetic alopecia a disease?
No, it is an inherited predisposition, not a disease. Treatment is not needed but is possible if you want to slow the hair loss.
Does minoxidil work?
It can slow hair loss. You apply it twice a day, and the effect can only be judged after six months. On stopping, the hair falls out again.
Can anyone use finasteride?
No. Tablets only help men, and women of childbearing age must not use them. In women the effect is also unproven.
Will my hair ever grow back on its own?
No, the predisposition remains. Treatment can slow the loss, and a hair transplant or wig can cover bald areas.
What can I do about bald areas?
A hair transplant, a wig or hairpiece, or camouflage with hair dye on the scalp.