Is hair loss and baldness hereditary?

Hair loss can manifest in many forms, some of which are directly related to genetic factors. Many genes have been identified that are associated with specific, common types of hair loss.

Androgenic hair loss: The androgen receptor gene (AR gene) located on the X chromosome is a factor that causes baldness in both men and women. Variations in this gene affect how the body responds to androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). People who inherit certain variants of the AR gene from their parents have a higher risk of hair loss than others.

Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by sudden, patchy hair loss. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss in the scalp and hair in other areas of the body. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic predisposition, environmental factors and immune system disorders are believed to play important roles.

In men, Androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is the most common type of hair loss. This condition often begins with a receding hairline and thinning hair at the top of the head. This form of hair loss is strongly hereditary, often passed down from both sides of the family. That means men who have relatives with androgenetic alopecia are at higher risk of developing the condition.

Male pattern baldness is related to androgen hormones, especially DHT, a derivative of testosterone. DHT shrinks hair follicles, causing hair to become shorter and thinner until it stops growing completely.

In women, Androgen-induced hair loss, which causes baldness, is also related to genetics and is common in women over the age of 50. The characteristics of this form of hair loss are thinning hair that gradually spreads from the top of the head, and the frontal hairline does not gradually recede like in men. but keep it the same.

This condition in women may be caused by increased androgen levels. Changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy, menopause or thyroid disorders can worsen hair thinning. Female pattern baldness rarely progresses to complete baldness like it does in men.

Genetic testing can predict whether a person is likely to have hereditary hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, in addition to genetic predisposition, a number of other factors can increase the risk of developing hair loss and baldness including:

– Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause.

– Tight hairstyles, causing stress on hair follicles.

– Constantly high stress.

– Polycystic ovary syndrome.

– Scalp infection or psoriasis.

– Side effects of some drugs, especially cancer treatment drugs.

– Thyroid disease.

– Untreated syphilis infection.

Not all hair loss is permanent. Some types are treatable and in some cases even reversible. Male and female androgenetic alopecia are often permanent due to genetic factors. Treatments can only slow hair loss or restore baldness, but cannot change the underlying cause.

Types of autoimmune hair loss, such as alopecia areata, are reversible. Treatments such as corticosteroids or immunotherapy help reduce immune system attacks on hair follicles, sometimes allowing hair to regrow.