Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited form of hair loss. The genes could possibly be inherited form either parents. While androgenetic alopecia affects men and women, its effects tend to be more pronounced in men. Androgenetic alopecia can begin anytime involving the ages of 12 and 40 with most people experiencing some form of baldness by the age of 50. In men, baldness starts with hairline recession, and baldness in the crown and vertex also occurs. In women, hair will gradually thins with time through the entire scalp area. Women who suffer from androgenetic baldness rarely have complete baldness.

 

The Hair Growth Cycle

 

The normal hair cycle involves growth phase, transitional stage and androgenic alopecia. During growth phase or anagen phase, the hair grows continuously for two to six years. Approximately 85 percent of hair are at anagen phase at anyone time. At the conclusion of the anagen phase, hair enters the transitional or catagen phase wherein hair shrinks. The resting phase of telogen phase follows. At this phase, no hair growth occurs, but hair grows again when hair enters the anagen phase. Typically, telogen phase lasts about 5 to 6 weeks. In case of androgenetic alopecia, hair stays in the telogen phase longer. The regulation of hair growth is mediated by the influenced of hormones on the structures of the hair follicles.

 

Reasons for Androgenetic Alopecia

 

Androgenetic alopecia is the main reason for baldness. The development of the situation is influenced by the action of hormones within our body, particularly androgens which are regulators of hair growth. The androgen levels within the hair follicles influence the hair growth cycle. Androgens interfere with all the current phases of the hair growth cycle. Androgens could prolong one stage of hair growth. By lengthening the resting phase, the long pigmented terminal hairs on the scalp is likely to be replaced by short, unpigmented vellus hair.

 

Apart from androgens, medications such as NSAIDs, birth control pills, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications and certain medical treatments may also donate to hair loss. Hair thinning is also linked to the various health conditions such as lupus, thyroid disorders, pregnancy and major surgery. Stress and sun harm to the scalp also results in hair loss.

 

Who It Affects

 

Hair thinning affects over 50 percent of men older than 50 years old. In addition it affects women older than 70 years old. Normally we lose about 100 strands of hair each day. But, affected individuals lose more hair at faster rate than it is replaced. People who have the genetic predisposition for androgenetic alopecia should seek for hair treatments as they are likely to experience baldness anytime.

 

Treatment

 

There is no known cure for hair loss. But surgical and non-prescription androgenetic alopecia treatments are available. But if one seeks for natural treatments, they could begin by changing their diet. A diet abundant with calcium (sardines, salmon, greens, raw broccoli, cheeses), silica (potato skin, red peppers, green peppers, cukes, bean sprouts), protein (calves livers, wheat germ, eggs, beans, soy, chicken, tuna, lean cuts of beef) and iron (red meat, dark leafy greens, egg yolks, dried fruits, soybeans, lentils, liver) will help reduce the increased loss of hair.

 

Exercise may also improve the situation of the scalp. By spending at least 20 minutes daily, 5 times weekly could enhance the blood circulation in the hair follicles, that is essential for healthy hair growth. Finding ways to eradicate or reduce stress can help reduce premature hair loss. Creating a soothing atmosphere wherever possible not only will affect the scalp, but your brain, body and soul.