What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is the medical name for hereditary hair loss. It is a common form of hair loss where hair follicles gradually shrink. As a result, hairs become thinner, shorter, and weaker. Over time, hair growth may visibly decrease.

This form of hair loss usually develops slowly. In men, it often starts at the temples or crown. In women, there is usually a gradual thinning on top of the head or along the parting. Because the process is gradual, it is not always immediately recognised at first.

What are the causes of androgenetic alopecia?

The main cause of androgenetic alopecia is a combination of genetic predisposition and hormonal sensitivity. Hair follicles react more sensitively to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. This sensitivity causes the growth phase of the hair to shorten, and hairs grow back increasingly finer.

Not everyone with a genetic predisposition develops visible hair loss at the same rate. Age, hormonal factors, and individual sensitivity also play a role in how quickly androgenetic alopecia develops.

How do you recognise androgenetic alopecia?

The symptoms of androgenetic alopecia vary per person, but you often see a gradual change in hair density and structure. Characteristic signs include:

• thinning hair on top of the head
• widening hair parting
• receding hairline or temples
• less volume
• slower or limited hair growth
• scalp becoming more visible

Because androgenetic alopecia usually develops gradually, many people only notice it when their hair has been thinning for a longer period.

What is the difference between men and women?

Androgenetic alopecia occurs in both men and women, but the pattern of hair loss often differs.

 

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is usually made based on the pattern of hair loss, its progression over time, and sometimes family history. A doctor or dermatologist will look at, among other things:

• the distribution of hair loss
• the thickness of existing hairs
• the duration of symptoms
• possible other causes of hair loss

If there is any doubt, it may be important to rule out other causes, such as iron deficiency, hormonal changes, or other forms of hair loss.

What treatment is possible for androgenetic alopecia?

The treatment of androgenetic alopecia aims to slow down further hair loss and, where possible, support hair growth. Which treatment is appropriate depends, among other things, on the pattern of hair loss, its severity, and personal preference.

The most commonly used and proven treatment for androgenetic alopecia is minoxidil. The earlier you start with it, the greater the chance that you can slow down further hair loss. It is a topical agent used for hereditary hair loss. In addition, in some situations, other treatments can be discussed with a doctor.

What is the role of minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia?

Minoxidil is a widely used treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It affects the hair growth cycle and can help to prolong the growth phase of the hair. This can contribute to preserving existing hair and, in some cases, support new hair growth.

Would you like to delve deeper into this? Then also read our detailed page about minoxidil.

Important points for minoxidil are:

• consistent use is important
• the first results are usually only visible after a few months
• upon discontinuation, the achieved effect may gradually diminish
• initially, temporary additional hair loss may occur, also known as shedding with minoxidil

Foam or solution: what's the difference?

Minoxidil is available as foam and as solution. Both forms are used for hereditary hair loss, but the choice often depends on user preference and scalp sensitivity. For most people, minoxidil foam is the first choice, especially for sensitive scalps.

Read more about our products:

• minoxidil 5% foam
• minoxidil 5% solution
• minoxidil 2% solution

Side effects and considerations

As with any medicine, side effects can occur with minoxidil. The most common considerations are:

• itching or irritation of the scalp
• dry or flaky skin
• temporary increase in hair loss in the initial phase of use

A known concern with some solutions is propylene glycol. This substance helps the active ingredient to be absorbed into the skin, but it can cause irritation in sensitive users. You can read more about this in our article on propylene glycol in minoxidil.

What is the difference from other forms of hair loss?

Not every form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between hereditary hair loss and other potential causes.

• Telogen effluvium: often sudden, diffuse hair loss after stress, illness, hormonal changes, or medication
• Alopecia areata: usually sharply defined bald patches

If in doubt about the cause of hair loss, assessment by a doctor or dermatologist is advisable.

Frequently asked questions about androgenetic alopecia

Is androgenetic alopecia the same as hereditary hair loss?

Yes. Androgenetic alopecia is the medical term for hereditary hair loss.

Does androgenetic alopecia also occur in women?

Yes. Hereditary hair loss occurs not only in men but also in women. In women, it often manifests as diffuse thinning on top of the head.

Can you stop androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia usually cannot be completely stopped, but treatment can help slow down further deterioration and maintain existing hair growth for longer.

Does minoxidil help with androgenetic alopecia?

Minoxidil is a widely used treatment for androgenetic alopecia. The effect varies per person, but consistent use is important to assess results.

How long does it take for minoxidil to show results?

The first visible results are usually only assessable after several months of consistent use. Initially, temporary extra hair loss may occur.

Do you have to keep using minoxidil?

Yes, usually. When you stop using minoxidil, the achieved effect may gradually diminish again.

Which is better: minoxidil foam or solution?

That depends on your preference and scalp sensitivity. Foam does not contain propylene glycol and may therefore be more pleasant for irritation-prone skin.

Read more about hereditary hair loss and minoxidil

• More information about minoxidil
• More about hair loss in women
• More about shedding with minoxidil
• More about propylene glycol and minoxidil

Sources

1. European Dermatology Forum – S3 Guideline for Androgenetic Alopecia.
2. Always use medical information as general information and not as a substitute for personal advice from a doctor or pharmacist.