What Is Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a genetic condition caused by the influence of androgens (like DHT — dihydrotestosterone) on hair follicles.
In simple terms:
Your hair follicles get smaller over time, producing thinner, shorter strands… until they stop producing hair altogether.
🧬 It’s hereditary.
If your parent(s) had pattern baldness, your chances are higher.
👩🦰 In women:
Hair thins on the crown, but rarely leads to complete baldness.
Often noticed during hormonal shifts (PCOS, menopause).
👱♂️ In men:
Receding hairline + bald patch on the crown.
Often begins in late teens to early 30s.
How to Know It’s AGA and Not “Just Hair Fall”
| Sign | AGA Indicator? |
|---|---|
| Gradual thinning over months/years | ✅ Yes |
| Sudden hair shedding | ❌ Could be stress, illness, or telogen effluvium |
| Patchy hair loss | ❌ May be alopecia areata |
| Family history | ✅ Strong clue |
What Doesn’t Work (Despite Reels Saying So)
🚫 Onion juice
🚫 24-hour miracle serums
🚫 Hair massagers with LED lights
🚫 Biotin-only “solutions”
These might feel good or look natural, but AGA is hormonal + genetic, not a scalp hygiene problem.
What Can Work — According to Science
1. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
FDA-approved topical solution
Increases blood flow, extends growth phase
Takes 4–6 months to show effect
Available OTC
2. Finasteride (for men only, oral)
Blocks DHT (the hormone shrinking follicles)
Needs prescription
Possible side effects: libido changes, mood
3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Non-invasive tech; results are mixed but promising
4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Your own blood is spun and injected into scalp
Done in dermatology clinics
5. Hair Transplant
Costly, but long-term
Suitable when hair loss is advanced
When to See a Doctor
If:
Hair fall persists for more than 6 months
You notice visible thinning or balding
You feel distressed or anxious about your hair
👉 Visit a dermatologist (preferably one specializing in trichology).
Sources
Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia. [Updated 2024 Jan 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
Rakshit Deori is a final-year MBBS student passionate about simplifying medical science for the digital generation. On HealthExplained.in, he breaks down complex health topics into clear, honest, and relatable insights — no jargon, no fluff. His mission: to make evidence-based health information accessible, especially for young minds navigating a world full of misinformation.
