Androgenetic alopecia
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a non scarring, progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle which has a characteristic pattern of distribution (1,2).
- this is a common disorder affecting genetically predisposed men and women
- the prevalence increases with age in both sexes
- genetic factors determine age of onset and severity.
Hair loss is usually insidious, presenting as thinning rather than shedding.
In men
- tend to lose hair over the crown, along the frontal hair line, and the temples
- occasionally a female pattern of hair loss can be seen as well
- type 2 5 alpha-reductase is to believed to be important in the development of male-pattern baldness.
In women
- hair loss over the frontal and central areas, but the parietal and occipital regions may be involved as well
- occasionally it may occur in a male pattern as well
Reference:
- Lolli F, Pallotti F, Rossi A, Fortuna MC, Caro G, Lenzi A, Sansone A, Lombardo F. Androgenetic alopecia: a review. Endocrine. 2017 Jul;57(1):9-17.
- European Dermatology Forum. S3 - European Dermatology Forum guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men. 2017 [internet publication].
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