Hair loss is a problem that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. While it is more common in men, women can also be affected by this condition, which can have a significant impact on self-esteem and quality of life. But what causes hair loss, and what is androgenetic alopecia? In this article, we will discuss alopecia and some of the latest innovations in its treatment.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a medical term used to describe hair loss, which can be partial or total. This condition can be temporary or permanent, and it can affect not only the scalp but also other areas of the body where hair follicles are present.

Main Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can have various causes, and in many cases, multiple factors may be acting simultaneously. Here are the most common causes:

1. Genetics and hormones: Genetic predisposition, especially in the case of androgenetic alopecia, is one of the main causes of hair loss. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those associated with aging, pregnancy, or menopause, can influence hair thinning.

2. Stress: Prolonged physical or emotional stress can trigger or worsen hair loss. Conditions such as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata are particularly linked to high levels of stress.

3. Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, alopecia areata, or psoriasis can cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, preventing normal hair growth.

4. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, proteins, or B vitamins can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Maintaining a balanced diet is key to hair health.

5. Medical treatments: Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can severely affect hair health. Additionally, certain medications for treating hypertension, depression, or hormonal issues can have side effects that include hair loss.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Although there are other types of alopecia, we will focus on the most common one: androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss, affecting approximately 50% of men and a smaller proportion of women throughout their lives. It is characterized by the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and hair thinning, eventually leading to baldness in specific areas of the scalp. It is often referred to as "male pattern baldness" or "female pattern baldness."

How Does Androgenetic Alopecia Occur?

The origin of androgenetic alopecia is primarily genetic, meaning it is inherited from one’s parents. However, it is not just a matter of heredity; the interaction with hormones, particularly androgens, plays a crucial role in its development.

This is where dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, comes into play. DHT is an androgenic hormone produced by the conversion of testosterone through the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. While DHT has important functions during puberty, such as promoting body hair growth and the development of male sexual characteristics, it also has negative effects on hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp.

The Role of DHT in Androgenetic Alopecia

In individuals with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles are particularly sensitive to the action of DHT. This hormone binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles and triggers a series of processes that impair their normal function:

1. Follicle miniaturization: DHT causes the progressive shrinkage of hair follicles. This means that with each hair growth cycle, the follicle produces thinner, weaker hair until it eventually can no longer generate visible hair.

2. Shortening of the anagen phase: The anagen phase is the active growth stage of the hair. DHT shortens this phase, causing hair to fall out faster and spend more time in the resting (telogen) and shedding (catagen) phases.

3. Weakening of the hair follicle: Over time, continuous exposure to DHT can cause some hair follicles to stop producing hair altogether, contributing to the appearance of bald areas.

Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women

• In men: Androgenetic alopecia often begins with a receding hairline at the forehead and the appearance of bald spots at the crown. Over time, these areas may merge, forming a more extensive bald area on the top of the scalp while hair on the sides and back is retained. This characteristic pattern is known as "male pattern baldness."

• In women: Androgenetic alopecia in women tends to present differently. Instead of a receding hairline, women often experience diffuse thinning of hair on the top of the head, while the frontal hairline remains intact. This type of hair loss is known as "female pattern baldness." It is less common for women to lose large areas of hair as men do.

Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia

There are several options for treating androgenetic alopecia, many of which focus on reducing DHT levels or minimizing its effects on hair follicles.

• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Medications such as finasteride or dutasteride block the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This decreases DHT levels in the scalp and, in many cases, slows or even stops hair loss. This treatment is more common in men, as the use of DHT inhibitors in women can have unwanted side effects related to hormone levels. Here, we have had very good results with both TIMEBLOCK's Equol (a phytoestrogen that effectively fights hereditary hair loss and strengthens hair from the root) and MONPURE's pumpkin extract, which has also shown great efficacy in blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase.

• Minoxidil: Another common treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It is a topical vasodilator that promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and prolonging the anagen phase of the hair cycle. It can be used by both men and women.

• PTT-6®: And now comes PTT-6®!! PTT-6® is the proprietary and patented active ingredient of CALECIM®. It is the only hair care ingredient in the world with an unprecedented concentration of stem cell-derived actives: one milliliter of PTT-6® contains over 3,000 active growth factors and exosomes. PTT-6® activates cellular regeneration by sending signals to cells to increase renewal, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. PTT-6® enhances your cells through cell-to-cell communication, allowing them to produce the beneficial proteins your body needs, helping to treat numerous hair issues. By using stem cells, PTT-6® induces general scalp and hair follicle rejuvenation, reversing signs of hair weakening and miniaturization, all without the side effects of other medical treatments.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be a distressing experience, but understanding its causes is the first step toward finding a solution. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or hair health specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment. In many cases, early intervention can now help stop or even reverse hair loss.