Androgenetic Alopecia: Causes and Effective Treatments

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as baldness, is one of the most common forms of hair loss, affecting men and women of all ages. In today’s post, we look at its causes and which treatment to follow to slow this hair loss and improve the strength and density of the hair. Keep reading! 

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic and hormonal condition that causes the progressive miniaturisation of the hair follicles, leading to gradual hair loss.

In men, it usually appears as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women, the hair mainly thins on the top of the head, without resulting in complete baldness.

This form of hair loss is linked to the action of androgen hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone is derived from testosterone and acts on the hair follicles, shortening the hair growth phase (anagen phase) and causing premature hair shedding.

As the follicles become miniaturised, the hair that grows becomes finer, until the follicle eventually stops producing hair altogether.

Main causes of androgenetic alopecia

1. Genetics: genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in the development of this form of alopecia. If there is a history of baldness in your family, you are likely to experience similar hair loss. This condition can be inherited from either the paternal or maternal side.

1. Hormones: DHT, as mentioned above, is the main hormonal cause. This hormone directly affects the hair follicles, making them smaller and less able to produce strong, healthy hair.
2. Age: as you get older, the risk of developing androgenetic alopecia increases. Hormonal changes and the reduced regenerative capacity of the follicles contribute to hair loss with age.
3. Stress and lifestyle: although it is not the main cause of androgenetic alopecia, stress can worsen hair loss. Factors such as a poor diet, lack of sleep and the use of certain medicines can also aggravate the condition.

Effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia

• Iraltone Aga Plus: this food supplement is specifically formulated to treat androgenetic alopecia. Iraltone Aga Plus contains vitamins and minerals, L-cystine, taurine and Saw Palmetto, which help reduce the action of DHT and improve the health of the hair follicle from within. These tablets are an excellent option for those looking for a comprehensive approach to tackling androgenetic alopecia, as they address the cause from within, providing the nutrients needed to strengthen the hair and slow hair loss.
• Dercos Aminexil Hombre Ampoules by Vichy: this is a topical treatment that has been shown to be highly effective against androgenetic alopecia. It contains Aminexil, a patented compound that combats stiffness at the hair root, preventing follicle fibrosis and helping to keep the hair in its growth phase. In addition, Dercos Aminexil Hombre contains other ingredients such as Arginine, which stimulates microcirculation in the scalp, helping essential nutrients reach the hair follicles, and SP94, a complex that strengthens the hair fibre, promoting thicker, stronger hair.
• Alopecia treatments for men: there are anti-hair loss actives such as Minoxidil, which acts directly on the hair follicles, stimulating growth and prolonging the anagen phase of the hair. On the Farmaciasdirect website, we can find treatments with this active ingredient, such as Regainecutaneous foam, which works by increasing blood flow in the scalp, allowing more nutrients to reach the follicles. 

Avoiding stress and following a healthy lifestyle, together with a suitable anti-hair loss treatment, can help improve hair density and strength while treating hair loss.