Pattern hair loss
(Redirected from Androgenic alopecia)
Pattern hair loss is a type of hair loss predominantly impacting the top and front of the scalp.[1] This condition presents differently in men and women: male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) is often characterized by a receding hairline, loss of hair on the scalp's crown, or both, whereas female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) typically results in general hair thinning.[1]
Etiology[edit | edit source]
The causality behind pattern hair loss is multifaceted. In men, the condition is generally attributed to a blend of genetic factors and the male hormone dihydrotestosterone.[1] The specific causes of female pattern hair loss, however, remain ambiguous.[1]
Treatment Options[edit | edit source]
Management of pattern hair loss can range from acceptance of the condition to active treatment.[1] Common treatment modalities include the use of minoxidil, finasteride, and hair transplant surgery.[1] The efficacy of finasteride in women is currently understudied, and it poses a risk of birth defects if consumed during pregnancy.[1]
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Pattern hair loss is a widespread phenomenon, affecting approximately half of all males and a quarter of all females by the age of 50.[1] It is the most prevalent cause of hair loss.
Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]
The hallmarks of classic male-pattern hair loss include hairline receding above the temples and vertex (calvaria) of the scalp. As the condition progresses, a rim of hair often remains around the sides and back of the head, known as a 'Hippocratic wreath', and rarely evolves into total baldness.[2] Pattern hair loss falls under the classification of non-scarring hair loss.
Unlike its male counterpart, female-pattern hair loss typically leads to diffuse thinning without a receding hairline and seldom results in total hair loss.[3] The severity of female-pattern hair loss is graded using the Ludwig scale, ranging from Grades 1 to 3, based on visible scalp exposure due to hair thinning.
Underlying Mechanisms[edit | edit source]
Hormonal Influence[edit | edit source]
Androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone, have been linked to pattern hair loss through their interaction with the Wnt signalling pathway, a group of signal transduction pathways made of proteins that pass signals into a cell through cell surface receptors.
References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7
- ↑ "Hippocratic wreath (Baldness)". Britannica Online. Dec 15, 2012. Retrieved Dec 15, 2012.
- ↑ "Female pattern baldness". MedlinePlus. Dec 15, 2012. Retrieved Dec 15, 2012.
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