Understanding the Hereditary Roots of Hair Loss: What Your Family History Says

About 50% of total consultations concerning hair loss are attributed to hereditary causes. Genetics is among the major determiners of the rate and extent of hair loss among men and women.

This article explores the various aspects of hereditary hair loss, including the role of genetics, identifying patterns, treatment options, and management tips.

Exploring the Genetic Component of Hair Loss

While hair loss is most obvious in men, it can affect individuals of any gender. Hereditary hair loss is sometimes not limited to the scalp but can affect the entire body.

About 50% of the male population begins to experience pattern (genetic) hair loss before completing 50 years of age. Additionally, around 80% of the entire male population experiences hair loss caused by genetics during the later years of their life. 

The Role of Genetics in Hair Loss

Studies performed on twins have determined that about 80% of pattern baldness in men is caused by genetic factors.

Around 63 different genes have been found to contribute to male pattern baldness. Six of these genes are associated with the "X" chromosome, while the rest are "Y" chromosome-based. On the contrary, the genetic factors in female pattern baldness are still unknown. 

However, it is estimated that multiple genes are involved in manifesting the condition. A high proportion of the female population experiences postmenopausal loss of hair. This is mainly attributed to the action of genes that produce aromatase, an enzyme that helps in oestrogen production.

Hereditary Factors and Hair Loss

The correlation between genetics and hair loss has not yet been extensively studied. However, the expression of genetics as a cause of hair loss is polygenic, involving more than one gene.

The androgen receptor gene is known to be among the major causes of hair loss in men. This gene is present on the "X" chromosome, the set of genes inherited from mothers, and increases the risk of male pattern baldness twofold. More research is required to determine what causes hair to fall out among women with genetic hair loss.

Genetics and Hair Loss: Notable Things to Know

Genetics is the primary cause of hair loss, and men and women mostly develop pattern hair loss. This condition manifests itself differently based on the individual's sex and the age at which the condition begins.

Common Causes of Hereditary Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, clinically known as androgenetic alopecia, are the most common reasons for hair falling out due to the action of genetic factors.

The main cause of hereditary loss of hair is identified to be the gradual decrease in the duration for which the hair follicle stays in the anagen phase. This phase is called the growth phase and includes actively growing hair strands. With every successive hair growth cycle, the number of hair follicles in the anagen phase reduces, and their size shrinks. This sends the strands into telogen, the resting phase. Therefore, the scalp contains fine and shorter hairs that do not provide much coverage to the scalp and fall off easily.

This mechanism is found to be among the primary reasons for genetic hair loss.

Understanding Hereditary Hair Loss Patterns

Genetics usually lead to patterned baldness in men and women, namely male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness.

The symptoms of hereditary hair loss among men begin to show during their 20s or 30s. They manifest as bitemporal recession, meaning a receding hairline shaped like an "M" and balding along the crown of the head. Around 80% of the total male population manifests the symptoms of this condition by age 70.

The symptoms of female pattern baldness mostly appear after menopause. It is known to occur in the Ludwig pattern as a steady widening of the hair part. About 57% of the total female population experiences this pattern of hair fall by the age of 80. Thinning of the scalp along the crown is also observed while the hairline remains unaffected.

When genetic pattern hair loss is observed before puberty, it usually manifests similarly to female pattern baldness, regardless of the individual's sex. This is more common among Asians, where the loss of hair is diffused along the crown and somewhat along the hairline. Some women may experience hereditary hair loss in the characteristic fashion of male pattern baldness. This is observed in women before they hit menopause and after hitting menopause.

Genetic Hair Loss Treatment Options

"How to stop genetic hair loss?" is a question frequently asked. While there is no way to stop or cure genetic hair loss, you can slow it down or manage it. This section discusses the common hereditary hair loss treatments that help manage the condition.

Topical Medications

Topical medications are used as primary treatments. Minoxidil is an FDA-approved over-the-counter drug used for this purpose and is available in liquids, foam, and shampoo. This medication can be applied directly to the affected areas of the scalp once or twice a day. 

The drug usually takes over six months to inhibit further hair loss and promote hair regrowth. Minoxidil generally needs to be used indefinitely to continue reaping the benefits. Some side effects like scalp irritation are also involved with the use of this drug. 

Oral Medications

Finasteride is another drug approved by the FDA for genetic hair loss treatment. It is available as oral pills that slow down hair loss and, in some cases, stimulate hair growth. The results appear after a few months of regular intake. Finasteride needs to be taken regularly to retain its benefits. This drug is usually only effective for individuals below 60 years of age. Some side effects, like reduced libido and an increased risk of prostate cancer, are associated with this medication.

Treatment Procedures

Some medical procedures are also favoured as a genetic hair loss treatment. The most commonly prescribed hereditary hair loss treatments are discussed below.

Laser Therapy

Also called red light therapy, the FDA has approved this procedure for cases where genetic factors cause hair loss. It uses a low-power laser device that delivers laser beams to the affected areas of the scalp and rejuvenates the hair follicles, increasing hair density. While this procedure has promising immediate effects, its long-term results still need to be studied.

Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy

This procedure uses platelets, the components of blood with healing abilities. These platelets are obtained from the same individual, then processed and injected into the affected areas. The injections are known to heal and rejuvenate inflamed and dormant hair follicles. While this method offers promising results as a genetic hair loss treatment, the long-term effects of this procedure need to be evaluated.

Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is among the most effective hereditary hair loss treatments. It is a minimally invasive procedure involving two distinct approaches. The Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) method takes strips of the skin of the scalp containing viable hair follicles, divides them into tiny grafts, and implants them in the affected areas. 

The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure, however, extracts individual hair follicles and implants them into the affected areas of the scalp. If performed during the 30s or early 40s, you may need a revision hair transplant later to maintain the results. 

Xogen Treatment

Dr Batra’s® Xogen treatment leverages an exosome-based approach, utilising nano-targeted technology to address hair fall. This innovative treatment promotes robust hair regrowth and enhances scalp health by delivering therapeutic agents to the affected areas precisely.

Genetic Hair Loss Treatment: What Works Best

Several treatments are available to help slow down and manage the genetic causes of hair loss. The best treatment for any individual, however, is subjective. It depends on the pattern, symptoms, age of onset, diet, lifestyle, and several other factors.

Consult with your doctor about the best treatment options suited to your case. Based on their assessment, the doctor will suggest the best treatment(s) option(s) for you.

Managing Hereditary Hair Loss: Coping Strategies

If you are wondering how to stop genetic hair loss naturally, the following tips will help you manage and slow down the condition:

• Handle your hair gently. Avoid wearing tight hairstyles and brushing your hair when it is wet.
• Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair before using a normal comb for styling.
• Avoid heat treatments, hair dyes, and products containing harsh chemicals.
• Limit exposing your hair to direct sunlight.
• Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
• Adopt an active lifestyle.
• Quit smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.
• Massage your scalp regularly.

Hereditary Hair Loss in Families: Recognising the Signs

Hereditary hair loss is usually easy to predict as it runs in the family. If the members of your family, especially close blood relatives, show signs of genetic loss of hair, you would be likely to have it.

The best way to manage and slow down pattern hair loss is to recognise the signs early on. This will allow you to minimise the damage and retain your hair quality for longer.

Genetic Hair Loss: Seeking Professional Help

Genetic causes of hair loss cannot be inhibited or reversed, so combating the condition on your own can be challenging. While addressing pattern hair loss is not a medical necessity, it allows you to retain your self-confidence and best appearance.

Consulting with a professional becomes a necessity in such cases. In homeopathic medicine, the experts will closely assess and confirm why hair falls out. Then, they observe the physical and psychological symptoms and diet and lifestyle habits to design a genetic hairfall treatment plan for you. Homeopathic medications are natural agents that heal your body from within and retain as much of your hair quality as possible. This medical field offers numerous benefits that are compatible with other treatments and procedures without adverse effects.

Conclusion

Family history often predicts one's susceptibility to hair loss. While genetics is a major factor, environmental and lifestyle influences also contribute to hair loss. More personalised and effective treatments will likely emerge as research advances on genetics and hair loss, offering hope for those affected by hereditary hair loss.

At Dr Batra’s® Clinic, we employ homeopathic science to manage and slow down the loss of hair caused by genetics. We consider your unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and overall health to determine and address the root cause of your issues. 

Our doctors prescribe personalised homeopathic remedies to stimulate hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and improve scalp health. Our treatments are gentle, natural, and free from side effects, ensuring a safe and effective solution for managing hereditary hair loss.

Visit Dr Batra’s® today to revive your hair and restore your confidence and well-being.

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