Also known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. It's hereditary and typically follows a predictable pattern. In men, it often starts with a receding hairline and crown thinning. In women, it usually presents as overall thinning with the hairline remaining intact.
The condition is driven by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes genetically susceptible hair follicles to gradually miniaturize — producing thinner, shorter, less pigmented hairs with each growth cycle until the follicle eventually stops producing visible hair.
Testosterone converts to DHT — the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to DHT in the scalp
DHT binds to follicles — genetically susceptible follicles have receptors that bind DHT
Follicle miniaturization — the growth phase shortens, producing thinner, shorter hairs each cycle
Follicle dormancy — eventually the follicle stops producing visible hair entirely
Blocks DHT production by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase. FDA-approved for men. Stops hair loss in ~90% and regrows hair in ~65% of men.
Topical treatment that stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to follicles. FDA-approved for men and women. Available OTC.
Surgical relocation of DHT-resistant follicles from the back of the scalp to thinning areas. Permanent, natural results.
Platelet-rich plasma injected into the scalp to stimulate follicle activity. Emerging evidence supports effectiveness as adjunct therapy.
FDA-cleared devices that use red light to stimulate hair growth. Can be used at home as a complement to other treatments.
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a byproduct of testosterone that shrinks hair follicles over time (miniaturization), leading to thinner, shorter hairs until the follicle stops producing visible hair entirely. The sensitivity of your follicles to DHT is largely determined by genetics inherited from both parents.
It can begin as early as the late teens, though it is more commonly noticed in the mid-20s to 30s. By age 50, approximately 50% of men show visible signs of pattern hair loss. In women, it typically becomes noticeable after menopause, though it can start earlier.
Androgenetic alopecia cannot be fully reversed, but it can be significantly slowed and partially reversed with treatment. Finasteride blocks DHT production and can regrow hair in many men. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth. Hair transplants permanently relocate DHT-resistant hair to thinning areas. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes.
No. In men, it follows the Norwood scale pattern — receding hairline and crown thinning. In women, it follows the Ludwig scale — diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp while the frontal hairline is generally preserved. Women also have different treatment options, as finasteride is not typically prescribed for women of childbearing age.
Diagnosis is usually clinical — a dermatologist examines the pattern and density of hair loss. In some cases, a pull test, scalp biopsy, or blood tests (to rule out thyroid issues or iron deficiency) may be performed. Trichoscopy (dermoscopy of the scalp) can reveal miniaturized hairs, a hallmark of androgenetic alopecia.
Get a free AI analysis to identify your Norwood stage and receive personalized treatment recommendations.
Start Free Analysis