Androgenetic alopecia — male or female pattern hair loss — is the most common cause of hair thinning, caused by a genetically determined sensitivity of scalp follicles to DHT. It progresses gradually in a characteristic pattern. Treatment (finasteride, minoxidil) is more effective at preserving existing hair than regrowing long-lost hair, so earlier intervention generally yields better results.
Also known as
pattern hair lossmale pattern baldnessfemale pattern hair loss
Related terms
- DHT
- A potent androgen made from testosterone that miniaturizes scalp follicles in pattern hair loss.
- Finasteride
- A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers scalp DHT to slow hair loss; FDA-approved for male pattern loss.
- Minoxidil
- A topical (or off-label oral) treatment that prolongs the hair growth phase; OTC for pattern hair loss.