ERFELIJKE HAARUITVAL

Androgenetic alopecia

Alopecia androgenetica is erfelijke haaruitval waarbij de haren geleidelijk dunner worden.
Lees hoe je deze vorm bij mannen en vrouwen herkent en welke rol erfelijke aanleg en gevoeligheid voor DHT spelen.

Man en vrouw met zichtbare patronen van erfelijke haaruitval.

In brief

Alopecia androgenetica is de meest voorkomende vorm van erfelijke haaruitval.
Erfelijke aanleg en gevoeligheid voor DHT zorgen ervoor dat haren geleidelijk dunner en korter worden.
Bij mannen ontstaan vaak inhammen en verdunning op de kruin; bij vrouwen wordt meestal de scheiding breder.
Het proces verloopt doorgaans geleidelijk en kan in de loop der tijd verder toenemen.

Illustratie van haarzakjes die door miniaturisatie geleidelijk kleiner worden.

MEDICALLY EXPLAINED

What happens with androgenetic alopecia?

In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp are genetically sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As a result, the hair growth phase gradually becomes shorter.

New hairs grow back increasingly thinner and shorter. This process is called miniaturisation and causes hair density to slowly decrease. The hair follicles initially remain present, but produce fewer and fewer visible hairs.

Read about follicular miniaturisation

RECOGNIZABLE PATTERNS

How does androgenetic alopecia differ in men and women?

In men: the hairline often recedes at the temples, creating a receding hairline. Later, the crown may also become thinner. The areas may gradually spread toward each other.
In women: the centre part usually becomes wider, and the hair on top of the head gradually loses density. The front hairline is often largely preserved.

Patronen van erfelijke haaruitval bij een man en een vrouw.

Illustratie van erfelijke aanleg en gevoeligheid van haarzakjes voor DHT.

CAUSE AND MECHANISM

What role do genetic predisposition and DHT play?

DHT is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. DHT occurs naturally in the body and does not cause hair loss in everyone.

In people with a hereditary sensitivity, certain hair follicles react more strongly to DHT. This shortens the growth phase and accelerates miniaturisation. A family history of hair loss increases the likelihood of AGA, but does not accurately predict when it will develop or how severe it will be.

Read about 5-alpha-reductase

GRADUAL PROGRESSION

How does hereditary hair loss progress?

Androgenetic alopecia usually develops slowly. There is not always a sudden increase in hair loss; often, the hair gradually becomes finer and the visible hair density decreases.

The first changes may include deeper receding temples, a thinner crown, or a widening part. The rate varies from person to person. The process may appear stable for a while and later become more noticeable again.

Geleidelijke ontwikkeling van erfelijke haaruitval bij een man en een vrouw.

Professionele beoordeling van erfelijke haaruitval bij een man.

POSSIBLE APPROACH

What support is available for androgenetic alopecia?

The right approach depends on the pattern, progression, and your personal situation. Minoxidil may support hair growth in some people and help slow further thinning. It must be used consistently to maintain the effect.

For men, a doctor may also discuss medication that reduces the effect of DHT. These medicines are not suitable for everyone and may have side effects. Food supplements do not treat the hereditary cause, but they may support normal hair condition when relevant nutrients are insufficient.

If in doubt, first have it assessed whether it is actually androgenetic alopecia.

Belangrijk om te weten

Alopecia androgenetica verloopt meestal geleidelijk. Plotselinge, pleksgewijze of snel toenemende haaruitval past mogelijk bij een andere oorzaak. Laat het haarverlies professioneel beoordelen wanneer het patroon onduidelijk is of wanneer je ook last hebt van jeuk, roodheid, schilfers of een branderig gevoel.

Vragen over alopecia androgenetica

Genetic predisposition plays an important role, but the pattern is not determined by a single gene. Predisposition can be inherited from both the father and the mother. Hair loss in the family increases the likelihood of androgenetic alopecia, but does not precisely predict when it will develop or how severe it will become.

Yes. In women, the central parting usually gradually widens, and hair density decreases on top of the head. The front hairline often remains largely intact. In men, receding temples and thinning at the crown are more common.

Androgenetic alopecia is a chronic process that usually progresses gradually without treatment. Early recognition can be important, as support generally has a better chance of helping while the hair follicles are still present. The outcome and progression vary from person to person.

DHT is a hormone produced from testosterone. In people with an inherited sensitivity, certain hair follicles react more strongly to DHT. As a result, the hair’s growth phase becomes shorter, and new hairs gradually grow back thinner and shorter.

Minoxidil may support hair growth in some people and help slow further thinning. The effect varies from person to person and usually only becomes visible after several months. To maintain the results achieved, minoxidil must be used consistently and long term.

Have hair loss assessed when it develops quickly, clearly increases, occurs in patches, or is accompanied by itching, redness, flaking, or a burning sensation. Assessment is also advisable when the pattern is unclear or before starting treatment. For a medical assessment, you can request a hair consultation at Intermedica Hair Clinic.

FIND WHAT SUITS YOU

Which support is right for your hair loss?

The TRIX Hair Check helps you better understand your situation and shows which TRIX Basic products may be suitable for you. The Hair Check does not provide a medical diagnosis.

Start the Hair Check View TRIX Basic Alpha