Hereditary baldness. Are there genetic diseases that cause excessive hair loss?
Every person in this vast world has likely experienced some form of hair loss—whether it’s the natural shedding process or excessive hair loss at an abnormal rate due to an underlying condition. In an attempt to manage this issue, many individuals turn to various solutions, such as wearing a natural hair wig. However, one of the most common causes of excessive hair loss is hereditary baldness, which is considered a natural condition rather than a disease. It occurs due to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors that become more apparent with age. In men, this condition is commonly known as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. In this article, we will explore this condition in greater detail.
What is hereditary baldness?
Hereditary Baldness: An Overview
Hereditary baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is a genetic condition influenced by hormones, primarily androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects the hair growth cycle.
How Does It Occur?
- In individuals with a genetic predisposition, hair follicles become sensitive to DHT, causing them to shrink over time.
- As a result, the hair grows thinner, weaker, and eventually stops growing altogether.
- The condition typically follows a predictable pattern:
- Men experience receding hairlines and bald spots, often starting at the temples or crown.
- Women usually notice overall hair thinning, especially at the top of the scalp, but they rarely go completely bald.
Causes & Risk Factors:
- Genetics – If hair loss runs in the family, the likelihood of developing hereditary baldness increases.
- Hormonal Changes – Higher levels of androgens, particularly DHT, contribute to follicle shrinkage.
- Age – Symptoms become more noticeable as people age, typically starting in the late teens or early adulthood in men and later in women.
Can It Be Treated?
While hereditary baldness cannot be completely cured, its progression can be slowed or managed through various treatments, including:
Medications (e.g., Minoxidil, Finasteride)
Hair Transplant Surgery
Lifestyle & Diet Adjustments
Is there any way to predict hereditary hair loss?
People with male pattern baldness usually have family members who suffer from the same type of hair loss, so having a relative with male pattern baldness increases your risk of developing the condition. You've probably heard the rumor that baldness comes from your mother's side of the family, but it's not that simple. Hair loss genes are actually inherited from both sides of the family, not just from your mother or father. "Male pattern hair loss, or hereditary hair loss, is not that simple. It's not linked to the presence or absence of a gene. It's really a combination of genes, hormone levels, and the natural aging process," says Adam Mamelak, MD, a dermatologist in Austin, Texas. It's very complex, with many variables at play. In a 2017 study published in PLOS Genetics, researchers identified 287 genetic variants associated with male pattern baldness. Their comprehensive genetic analysis can estimate the risk of male pattern baldness, but it's not entirely accurate. For example, among the study participants, only 10% of people reported having hair loss genes, with only 58% of them reporting moderate to severe hair loss.
a summary
Hereditary baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common genetic condition caused by sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), leading to gradual hair thinning and loss. It follows a predictable pattern, affecting men with receding hairlines and bald spots, while women experience overall thinning. Although it cannot be completely cured, treatments like medications, hair transplants, and lifestyle changes can help slow its progression and manage hair loss effectively.
