Androgenetic Alopecia

WHAT IS ANDROGENETIC ALOPEIA?
Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss, is a condition of hair loss that develops under the influence of androgens in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Androgen is defined as the male hormone. Since hair loss occurs due to the androgen hormone, the disease is known as male pattern hair loss. Just as it is seen in men, it can also be seen in women. Family members who have had this problem before have an increased risk of developing Androgenetic Alopecia. In addition, the imbalance in the androgen hormone is another predisposing factor for this disease.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANDROGENETIC ALOPEIA?
Thinning and thinning of hair as well as receding hairline are the most obvious symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia. It starts at the age of 30-40 in men and at the age of 50-60 in women. Other symptoms in men include receding hairline, thinning of the hair, and the appearance of that area being completely bald. While crown thinning in men is seen as receding frontal hairline or bitemporal hair loss, in women diffuse (common) hair loss begins and lightening usually starts from the midline. A thinning occurs in the crown shape.

HOW IS ANDROGENETIC ALOPEIA TREATMENT CARRIED OUT?
There are 4 different treatment methods for androgenetic alopecia. Methods vary for each person. Therefore, when deciding on treatment, a detailed examination should be performed and the treatment method should be chosen with the doctor's opinion.
•    Minoxidil spray: It is applied externally to the area with hair loss in 2% and 5% forms. It can be used in both men and women. It has no anti-hormonal activity. It should be applied regularly to the area with hair loss twice a day and distributed with the help of fingers. Even if the affected area is very large, more than 2 ml per day should not be used. It should be used for at least 6 months to evaluate its effectiveness. For the effect to be continuous, use should not be interrupted.

•    Finasteride: It is a tablet-shaped drug that helps reduce the production of one of the hormones that cause androgenetic alopecia. It should be used orally as a pill, 1 mg per day. Some of the side effects reported in the literature include difficulty in erection, loss of erection, decrease in sexual desire, softening and enlargement of the breasts. There are studies showing that Finasteride treatment reduces hair loss in men by 90%. However, its effectiveness in women has not been proven. It should never be used in pregnant women.

•    Spyranolactone: It works by reducing the production of hormones. Minoxidil can be added to the treatment in women who do not respond to treatment. It should be used under the supervision of a doctor. It should also not be used in pregnant women.

•    Hair transplantation: It is a surgical method. It should be applied in sterile environments with a professional healthcare team. Healthy hair follicles on the scalp are removed and transferred to areas where hair loss occurs. Assoc. Dr. Ezgi ÖZKUR uses the most advanced treatment methods in this field.

DOES THE DISEASE RETURN AFTER ANDROGENETIC ALOPEIA TREATMENT IS DISCONTINUED?
Yes, it may recur, so an ongoing treatment plan should be created with dermatology specialists.