Hereditary hair loss is very common, especially among men: up to 60 percent will be affected at some point in their lives. Almost 20 percent of women also lose their hair at some point, which is particularly evident in the middle part of the parting. Depending on the genetic conditions, however, there are significant differences in the timing and severity of hair loss.
In this article, we give an overview of hereditary hair loss, its causes and symptomstelltale signs and ways of treatment.
Hereditary hair loss: possible symptoms
The first sign is typically a receding hairline in men and thinning of the hair on the crown of the head in women.
The Norwood scale describes the normal course of hair loss in men in seven stages:
- In stages I and II, the hairline recedes slightly.
- In stage II, the hair around the temples becomes noticeably thinner.
- At stage III, only a few hairs are left in the temple region.
- In Stage IV, bald spots begin to become noticeable. The hair on the crown becomes thinner.
- At Stage V, the hair is grouped in a horseshoe shape around the increasingly balding front part of the head.
- At level VI there is hardly any hair left on the crown.
- In Tier VII, the top of the head is completely bald.
In women, after the Ludwig classification distinguish three grades:
- At grade I, the hair thins in the front part of the head, resulting in a wider center parting.
- In grade II, areas next to the crown are also affected.
- Grade III shows severe hair loss, especially on the front and sides of the head.
Thinning in the front crown region is also common.
Reasons for hereditary hair loss
According to various studies, genetics are responsible for about 80 percent of baldness. This is due to genetic factors that govern how the follicles respond to androgens in the body.
Men with a strong disposition may go bald in their 20s, while men with a weak disposition may go bald in their 60s or 70s.
There are now genetic tests to determine a particular susceptibility to hair loss. A study examining various hormone levels associated with hair loss measured elevated cortisol levels in patients with increased hair loss.
treatment options
Here there are cosmetic solutions such as wigs and toupees – some of which look completely natural. They are glued to the scalp. A group of medications often prescribed for hereditary hair loss, minoxidil is applied topically to the scalp as a solution or foam and massaged gently with fingertips. Why minoxidil leads to increased hair growth is not yet fully understood. It has been shown to improve blood circulation in the scalp.
With the other group is Finasteride active ingredient. It inhibits the action of the enzyme, 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into the active form DHT. Finasteride lowers the concentration of DHT and thus stops hormonal hair loss. Finasteride is administered in the form of tablets that are taken with some water.
It usually takes around six months to see results on hair growth. In higher concentrations, finasteride is also used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate. Both minoxidil and finasteride are usually well tolerated. However, once these drugs are stopped, their effects are also lost.
A drastic medical option is hair transplants. Such surgeries are effective but often expensive. When patients have undergone such an operation, satisfaction with it is usually very high. As surgical interventions, however, they are associated with risks of infection and scarring.
Conclusion: There are ways to do something about hereditary hair loss
If you suffer from hereditary hair loss and this even affects your self-confidence, you have various treatment options. The best thing to do is to talk to your trusted doctor.