Male pattern baldness (AGA) Genetic testing: Why It’s crucial for Thinning hair sufferers to act early

If you have been suffering from thinning hair recently, such as “a lot of hair loss,” “the top of my head is thinning even though I am still young,” or “hair growth medication is not showing any effect,” why not take the Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test?

The Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test enables you to find out at the genetic level whether the medication you are taking is suitable for your body and why you have developed Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene testing can help you determine the best treatment for your thinning hair condition and reduce the risk of spending unnecessary money.

In this article, we will introduce the popular Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test.

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Article Supervisor：Osaka AGA Kato Clinic group Hospital director , Kentaro Kato

Kentaro Kato, Hospital director of Osaka AGA Kato Clinic group, specializing in comprehensive hair treatment.
We specialize in cutting-edge treatments for a variety of clinically proven effective treatments for thinning hair and hair loss.

Graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University in 2001
Worked at plastic surgery of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital as an anesthesiologist from 2001 to 2005.
Worked as a head of plastic surgery at major cosmetic surgery, Hair Transplant Department from 2005 to 2011.
Opened Osaka AGA Kato Clinic in 2011.

Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Regular Member.
The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member.
World Academy of Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member.

What is Male pattern boldness (AGA) Genetic testing?

Male pattern boldness (AGA) genetic testing is one of the latest testing methods that use your genes to diagnose whether you are susceptible to the male hormones that cause hair loss symptoms.

Male hormones (androgens) are received by receptors in hair root cells, and the androgen receptor gene, which enters and works in these cells, has a region where a specific DNA base sequence is repeated, and it has been found that people with a short DNA base sequence in this region are more likely to develop Male pattern boldness (AGA).

Therefore, this genetic test can be used to examine DNA bases and predict susceptibility to male hormones in order to determine a treatment plan for Male pattern boldness (AGA).

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Male pattern boldness (AGA) genetic testing procedure 

Male pattern boldness (AGA) can be prevented from progressing by early treatment, but few people immediately visit an AGA clinic when they notice a slight increase in hair loss.

However, if you take a genetic test in advance to determine your risk of Male pattern boldness (AGA), you can go to an AGA clinic with relative ease even if you start to feel discomfort in your scalp later. The AGA gene test can also determine to some extent whether you have the constitution to benefit from the AGA medications, finasteride (Propecia).

Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications can be tested to ensure that the treatment is appropriate for the patient’s constitution and is less burdensome, rather than taking the detour of trying different medications. Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene testing can be done in a hospital or by ordering a test kit.

Genetic testing at a hospital: If you wish to have the Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test performed in a hospital, please contact a dermatologist or a hospital specializing in Male pattern boldness (AGA) in advance before coming to the hospital. The advantage of a genetic test at a hospital is that the results will help you determine the treatment options and make it easier to formulate a treatment plan. Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test is performed on a sample of hair or blood, and the number of repeats of CAG and GGC and genetic analysis are used to determine the possibility of future hair loss over a period of one month. After the results are known, the doctor will explain the results to you and determine whether the gene is involved in your thinning hair and whether finasteride will be effective, so you can start your treatment method and plan smoothly and with peace of mind.

【Androreceptor Gene Test】

Test Method – As in a blood test usually performed at a medical institution, approximately 2 ml of venous blood is drawn from either the left or right arm. Only the androgen receptor gene is tested from that blood, and no other genes are tested. The results will be analyzed based on the androreceptor gene test, and the results will be explained to you approximately one month later. Please note that since the data from the genetic test is personal information, it will be explained by the doctor in the clinic and will not be accepted over the phone.

*Gene test fee – 19,000 yen (tax not included). An initial consultation fee of 5,000 yen (tax not included) will be charged separately even for the genetic test only.

Criteria for genetic diagnosis: The length of the region where the base sequences CAG and GGC are repeated can be used to predict sensitivity to male hormones. ［X=Number of CAG repeats+Number of GGC repeats］［Group A］：If X≦38 (short): High sensitivity to male hormones is predicted, and prophylactic administration of finasteride or treatment is necessary for young patients. Group C]: 42 ≤ X (long): Predicted low sensitivity to male hormones, but cannot be guaranteed to never develop, and prophylactic treatment may be necessary depending on the condition.

【The side effects of finasteride are scarier than thinning hair】

Since it can happen to anyone, it is better to seek counseling if you are at all concerned about any of the following side effects.

Side Effect 1: Affects sexual function and procreation -1: Decreased libido – Statistically, the incidence is as low as 2%, but the need for awareness and caution is not entirely absent, so consult your doctor if you experience any physical changes. -2: Erectile Dysfunction – The incidence of erectile dysfunction is also very low, but there is a large psychological factor in the side effects, so it is possible to produce symptoms of decreased male function by being only concerned about the risks of the therapeutic drug. -3: Sperm decrease and achromatopsia – Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications have the effect of suppressing male hormones, so they may cause a decrease or achromatopsia in sperm, but this is reported to improve spontaneously once the patient stops taking them. For those considering future childbearing, it is safer to stop taking the drug and allow at least one to several months for the drug to completely leave the body. -4: Effects on the unborn child – Finasteride should not be used or even touched by women and children because it can disrupt the hormonal balance. Pregnant women, in particular, should not take finasteride because of concerns about the effects on the fetus. Absorption through the skin simply by touching the drug is called “transdermal absorption. Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications should be handled with care.

Side Effect 2: Depression. Although the incidence of depressive symptoms is very small, about 1%, a decrease in male hormones may cause you to feel depressed. If you notice any change in your mood, such as a “deep depression or increased irritability” as a result of taking the drug, consult your doctor.

Side Effect 3: Effect on Liver Function Side effects are also a concern for those with a constitution that is easily affected by daily liver function, so be sure to take the drug while taking care of your physical condition.

【Side effects and incidence rate of finasteride】

・Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test kit

Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene testing can be done easily at home using over-the-counter test kits as well as in hospitals. If you want to test at home, you can purchase the test from your computer or smartphone via Internet shopping. According to the type of Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test kit, some kits are also available at drugstores or distributors. However, even if you purchase the kit at a store, you will often need to register your personal information such as address and gender online when you take the test.

【Process from purchase to results】

①Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test kit will be sent to your home. After opening the package, check the contents.

②Sign the Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test consent form along with the instruction manual.

③There are two types of Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test kits on the market: “swab type” and “saliva type,” and they examine blood, saliva, and mucous membranes.

【Swab-style Male pattern boldness (AGA) genetic testing procedure】

1- Gargle and clean your mouth before the examination, since the test is to rub the mucous membrane of the mouth with a cotton swab, and unclean mouth may affect the data.

2-Rub the inside of your cheek several times with the swab for examination.

3-Return the swab to its original case. Be careful not to let the swab touch anything else that may affect the test results.

【Saliva-based Male pattern boldness (AGA) genetic testing procedure】

1- Do not eat food or wear lipstick or other makeup before the examination to avoid impurities in your saliva. Gargle to keep yourself clean.

2- Put a drop of saliva up to the scale line on the test tube.

3- Once collected, the container lid is usually closed and the preservative solution comes out inside.

4- Return the collected case or tube and the consent form in a self-addressed envelope to the service company.

5- Notification of Completion Generally, you will receive the test data within a few weeks to a month after the return. Basically, the data will be mailed to you, but some companies allow you to check the data on the Internet. Since the test results contain personal information, you should handle them with care.

How much does the Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test cost?

Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene testing is available not only at clinics, but also through the use of a mailed gene test kit. Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene testing only needs to be taken once, since the genes are unchanged for life. However, considering the amount of money, reliability, and its utilization, you may have many doubts about where to take the Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test. I hope this will be helpful to you. Male pattern boldness (AGA) genetic testing is not inexpensive. Since it is not covered by insurance, the cost varies depending on where you receive the test. It is easy to think that a mailed Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene kit that can be done at home is better than a clinic because it is cheaper, but after the test at a clinic, you can determine the treatment plan based on the results. However, after the test at a clinic, you can determine the course of treatment based on the results of the test.

【Examples of genetic testing fees at major clinics】

【Example of Gene Test Kit】

・Precautions for genetic testing

Male pattern boldness (AGA) is not 100% accurate, and it is possible to develop Male pattern boldness (AGA) even though the test results indicate a low risk of AGA. Some question the correlation between the number of repeats of CAG and GGC and Male pattern boldness (AGA). Some question the correlation between the number of repeats of CAG and GGC and AGA, and since the research results have not been completely established, it may be better to use them only as a reference.

Q&A

Q－１：When should I take the Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test?

A－１：Genetic information never changes throughout your life, so you’ll get the same results no matter when you get tested. Early detection and treatment are necessary to prevent hair loss from progressing. If you are worried about whether you will develop Male pattern boldness (AGA) in the future, we recommend that you take the gene test as soon as possible. However, since finasteride is prohibited for minors and women, in such cases, we will suggest another treatment method.

Q－２：Does Male pattern boldness (AGA) genetic testing take a long time?

A－２：Since the samples are taken from the mucosa of the mouth, the test is quick and easy. In addition, more accurate data can be derived by testing for both CAG and GGC instead of using a single gene test.

Q－３：How long does it take to get the results of the Male pattern boldness (AGA) gene test?

A－３：It takes about one month.

How was it? If you know in advance whether you are prone to develop Male pattern boldness (AGA) by the AGA gene test, you will be able to cope with it differently afterwards. Please take a look at it as a reference.

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