Hair loss can be distressing, more so if you cannot do anything to prevent or cure it. Androgenetic alopecia, a genetically predetermined disorder, occurs due to an excessive response to androgens, which are the main regulator of human hair follicles. The condition affects both male and females and is commonly referred to as male or female-pattern baldness. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sudheendra Udbalker, Consultant Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta, says that there is no definitive cure for hereditary hair loss, however, various treatments can help slow the process. Here's what you should know.
Also Read: Your Hair Loss May Be Due To Magnesium Deficiency: Here’s How To Handle It
What Is Hereditary Hair Loss?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hair strands a day. If it goes beyond this number, it is called excessive hair shedding, also known as telogen effluvium.
Hereditary hair loss, a genetic condition which stops the hair from growing, can be one of the most common causes of excessive hair shedding.
“This condition leads to the progressive shrinking of hair follicles, resulting in shorter and finer hair strands until they cease to grow altogether,” says Dr Udbalker, adding that it occurs due to a combination of genetic predisposition and hormonal changes.
A research published in StatPearls Publishing suggests that in males, hair loss is most prominent in the “vertex and frontotemporal regions, while in women the frontal hairline is typically spared with diffuse apical hair loss noted as a wider anterior part of the hair.” In men, early androgenetic alopecia is defined as occurring before 30 years old, whereas in women, pattern baldness is often caused by telogen effluvium.
How To Mitigate The Impact Of Hereditary Hair Loss
“Despite the absence of a definitive cure for hereditary hair loss, various treatments aim to mitigate its impact,” says Dr Udbalker, adding, “Minoxidil, a topical solution, and finasteride, an oral medication, are commonly used to slow down hair loss and promote regrowth.”
Both of these are the only two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for the condition.
The doctor also recommends low-level laser therapy, which is another option that can stimulate hair follicles and enhance growth.
Also Read: 5 Potential Reasons Behind Premature Hair Greying
Can It Be Prevented?
“While complete prevention might be elusive, certain strategies can help slow down the process,” says Dr Udbalker. These include:
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those beneficial for hair health like biotin and vitamin D
- Effective stress management techniques as stress can exacerbate hair loss
- Gentle hair care practices, such as avoiding excessive heat and chemical treatments
- Opting for loose hairstyles
Although a total cure remains out of reach, early intervention with appropriate treatments and a holistic approach to wellness can effectively slow down the progression of hereditary hair loss, according to the doctor.
