Inherited Hair Thinning (Androgenetic Alopecia)

What Would You Like to Know About?

Overview

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as hereditary hair loss, male-pattern baldness, and female-patern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss. It affects approximately 80 million people in the US.

Symptoms

It may present as thinning of the hair, a receding hair line, or bald areas.

Evaluation
There are many other causes of hair loss, including diet, stress, medications, childbirth, or medical conditions such as thyroid disease, anemia, or autoimmune disease. A dermatologist can evaluate the hair loss and diagnose the type. It is important to see a general physician or dermatologist to ensure that there is not a medical condition that is causing the hair loss.

Treatment

In office treatments include prescription medications like finasteride & spironolactone (females), platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, and hair transplantation. Many people combine both office-based and OTC therapies for maximal benefit.

OTC Treatment Options

Inherited Hair Thinning

Men

Men's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam

Women

Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam

Instructions

Men:
AM & PM. Apply half a capful twice daily of 5% minoxdil foam directly to the scalp in the hair loss area. Massage into scalp with fingers, then wash hands well. Using more or more often will not improve results. Continued use is necessary to increase and keep your hair regrowth or hair loss will begin again. It takes time to regrow hair. Results may occur at 2 months with daily use. The amount of hair regrowth is different for each person, and does not work for all men.

Women:
PM. Apply half a capful of 5% minoxidil foam once daily directly to the scalp in the hair loss area. Massage into scalp with fingers, then wash hands well. Using more or more often will not improve results. Continued use is necessary to increase and keep your hair regrowth or hair loss will begin again. It takes time to regrow hair. Results may occur at 3 months with daily use. The amount of hair regrowth is different for each person, and does not work for all women.

OTC Tips

Minoxidil can cause irritation. If mild irritation occurs, you can decrease frequency or use 1% OTC hydrocortisone cream or solution as needed for up to 2 weeks. Another option is trying 2% minoxidil solution instead of 5% minoxidil foam. If the irritation continues or is severe, you may need to stop using the minoxidil and or consult with your physician.

Alternative & Complementary Treatments

There are many OTC products and supplements that are purportedly effective and available for hair loss. Most of these products have not been well studied and their efficacy is not well known. There is little evidence that shampoo choice significantly affects hair loss. Lasers and light therapy in the form of caps and hand held devices have been used. There is some evidence that neutraceuticals such as Nutrafol and Viviscal may be helpful for pattern hair loss

If following the above recommendations does not improve your condition, see a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment, particularly if symptoms are severe or persist.