The name of the condition comes from two words – “androgen” and “genetics”, which are the two main causative factors,‘Androgen’ refers to male hormones, namely testosterone, that normally circulate in the bloodstream.

These male hormones are broken down by enzymes at various sites in the body, including the hair follicles on the scalp. One of the breakdown products is known as di-hydro testosterone or DHT. Over time, DHT damages susceptible hair follicles The susceptible hair follicles in men tend to be located on the front of the scalp, leaving the hair follicles on the back of the head less susceptible to damage by DHT.

The term ‘androgenetic alopecia’, used to describe hair loss in women, was recently abandoned for a more appropriate name: female pattern hair loss. This highlights the complex nature of treating a woman with hair loss conditions Although excess androgen (male hormone) and genetic predisposition (family history) contribute to female pattern hair loss.

(FPHL), there are many other significant factors, including:

• Nutritional status – special diets e.g. weight loss crash diets, vitamin D deficiency
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, contraceptive hormone pills
• Stress – can elevate cortisol levels and reduce melatonin levels, both related to hair loss
• Medications – certain painkillers, antidepressants, some anticonvulsants, some blood pressure medications

While a scalp examination shows the same miniaturisation process as that seen in men, women tend to lose hair in different areas Miniaturisation is the phenomenon of a hair shaft getting progressively shorter, finer and less pigmented due to long-term damage from androgens (male hormones also found in women)

If you’re faced with hair loss, why not get in touch? Our trusted RegainX team offer a range of solutions to suit your individual needs and budget.