Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss, affecting up to 70% of men and 40% of women at some point in their lives. This genetic condition causes your hair follicles to shrink over time, producing thinner and shorter hairs until the follicles stop producing hair completely. But how can you tell if you are experiencing androgenetic alopecia? Here are the key signs to look out for:.
Pay Attention to the Pattern of Hair Loss
The pattern of hair loss is one of the defining characteristics of androgenetic alopecia. In men, it usually presents as a receding hairline at the temples and thinning hair on the top/crown of the head. This leaves an “M” shaped pattern of hair loss on the scalp. For women, there is usually diffuse thinning hair all over the top of the head, which can progress to complete baldness on the crown. So if you notice your hair disappearing in these typical male or female patterns, it’s likely androgenetic alopecia at play.
Look For Gradual, Progressive Hair Loss
Androgenetic alopecia happens slowly over years and decades. The hair loss is progressive, meaning it starts small but keeps getting more noticeable over time. So if your hair seems to be disappearing faster than it should based on your family history, or if large bald patches have appeared suddenly, it may be another hair loss condition like alopecia areata. But gradual thinning that worsens slowly points to androgenetic alopecia. Keep track of thinning patterns month to month and year to year.
Consider Your Family History
Androgenetic alopecia is highly hereditary, passed down from either parent’s genes. If your mother, father, grandparents or siblings have experienced typical male or female pattern baldness, you are much more likely to develop it yourself. Genetics play a key role, so a family history of progressive hair loss makes androgenetic alopecia more probable for you too. It’s wise to be proactive if multiple relatives on both sides have dealt with thinning hair over the years.
Assess Your Hormone Levels
The “androgenic” part of androgenetic alopecia refers to its association with hormones called androgens. Higher levels of androgens like testosterone and DHT cause scalp hair follicles to shrink in those genetically prone to male or female pattern baldness. That’s why getting your hormone levels tested can help diagnose the issue. If bloodwork shows elevated “androgens,” particularly high DHT or testosterone, it indicates hormonal changes that can trigger genetic hair loss. Your doctor may test for conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as well.
Get a Trichoscopy Exam
Using a special instrument called a trichoscope, dermatologists can examine your individual hairs and scalp up close. This microscopic trichoscopy exam allows the doctor to visually detect typical signs of androgenetic alopecia. In male or female pattern baldness, the hairs emerge thinner over time. The hair shaft narrows progressively, hairs have little pigment, and scalp coverage becomes less dense. A trichoscopy provides magnified evidence that points to androgenetic thinning. It can also rule out issues like breakage or patchy alopecia areata instead.
Notice If Treatments Don’t Work
If you have been trying treatments to improve hair density and regrow lost hair for months without success, it’s another clue that androgenetic alopecia may be the culprit. The natural progression of genetic hair loss cannot be reversed with basic hair growth remedies. However, medications like finasteride and minoxidil are FDA-approved to treat male and female pattern baldness specifically because they address the hormonal and hereditary mechanisms behind this progressive condition. If over-the-counter products fail despite consistent use, consider asking your doctor about prescription medications made to target androgenetic alopecia.
Watch For Early Warning Signs
Being vigilant for subtle signs of androgenetic alopecia early on gives you the best chance to preserve hair and intervene before extensive thinning occurs:
– Noticeable shedding in the shower or brush.
– More hairs than usual left in your hairbrush.
– Seeing your part or ponytail becoming wider as more scalp shows through.
– Temple recession or sparseness starting on one or both sides of your forehead.
– Family members commenting on or monitoring your hair density.
Paying attention to these warning signs allows you to take action quickly rather than waiting until hair loss becomes obviously noticeable to everyone. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
See a Dermatologist
Ultimately, checking in with a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia. A skin and hair expert can examine your pattern and degree of thinning, look for miniaturized hairs, assess your family predisposition, review hormone levels, perform a trichoscopy and make sure your hair loss does not stem from another condition. If it is androgenetic alopecia causing your hair thinning, the dermatologist can also advise you on treatments available to slow or stop the progression, enhance density and regrow lost hair. Catching genetic hair loss early and starting treatment ASAP provides the best chance to get ahead of permanent balding.
Androgenetic alopecia is a complex condition with many contributing factors. But understanding the typical signs, patterns and risk factors associated with male and female pattern baldness allows you to identify it early and take proactive steps to preserve your hair. Pay attention for gradual thinning that follows the classic “M” shape in men or diffuse crown loss in women, especially if it runs in your family. Then consult a knowledgeable dermatologist to confirm if hormonally-driven androgenetic alopecia is in fact the reason behind your hair loss. They can help stop the progression in its tracks. With consistent use of approved treatments for genetic balding, the majority of people with androgenetic alopecia are able to grow new hair, maintain for years longer than expected and even fully restore previous density. So don’t ignore the early red flags – address hair loss concerns promptly for the best possible outcome. You stand to keep far more hair by facing androgenetic alopecia head on. I sincerely hope you find this “How Can I Tell If I’m Experiencing Androgenetic Alopecia?” article helpful.
