Pattern Hair Loss Research Paper

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Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
What is pattern hair loss?
Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a medical condition characterized by progressive hair loss and thinning at the vertex, temporal regions, and frontal region of the scalp in men. The disease may also affect women (female pattern baldness), causing loss of hair at the midline of the scalp. It is caused by a combination of genetic factors and elevated androgens levels in scalp tissue.
The condition usually affects men who have gone through puberty, most commonly around age 18-40. Women are usually affected after menopause (age 50) and have a slightly different pattern of hair loss. The condition can be cosmetically displeasing and lead to psychological embarrassment …show more content…
• How is pattern hair loss diagnosed?
• How is pattern hair loss treated?

What causes?
Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is caused by genetic factors and elevated levels of DHT in scalp tissue. Pattern hair loss is not only passed on by the mother as many people claim – in fact, genes from both parents are important for the development this condition.
Testosterone is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme in located in high quantities in scalp tissue and the prostate. In the scalp, DHT acts on hair follicles causing them to undergo a process called miniaturization. This means that the hair follicles shrink because they spend less time in the growth phase – eventually dying off.
Pattern hair loss is also likely related to poor circulation in the scalp tissue. High DHT levels and poor circulation are important principals in pattern hair loss as the treatment of this condition attempts to reverse these two processes.
How common is pattern hair loss?
Pattern hair loss is an extremely common condition that is often evaluated in the primary care clinic. The disease frequently requires referral to a specialist such as a dermatologist or plastic …show more content…
As opposed to men, women typically develop hair loss or thinning in the central or midline region of their scalp. The frontal hair line in usually spared.

Some women develop pattern hair loss due to hyperandrogenism – a condition characterized by elevated androgen levels – resulting in irregular menses, acne, and hirsutism. Hirsutism is the development of hair in areas that usually appear in men, such as the face, inner thighs, and back.

How is male pattern hair loss diagnosed?
Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination. Your doctor may order blood tests to rule out certain conditions that can contribute to hair loss. This may include:
• Iron deficiency (eg, hemoglobin, iron levels, total iron binding capacity, ferritin),
• Thyroid disease (eg, TSH, free T4),
• Syphilis (eg, RPR).
If you are a woman with abnormal menstrual periods, infertility, significant acne, or facial hair - your doctor may work you up for hyperandrogenism. This condition is evaluated by checking your testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and prolactin
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