What is Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
Is my hair loss/thinning hair Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
Is there any way to stop Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
Male pattern boldness (AGA),“ ”thinning hair,“ and ”hair loss” are full of information on TV and on the Internet.
But it seems that the causes of Male pattern boldness (AGA) and effective remedies for Male pattern boldness (AGA) are not properly understood. we will explain the major causes of Male pattern boldness (AGA), the characteristics of typical symptoms, how to stop Male pattern boldness (AGA) and some of the misconceptions about thinning hair.
Many other causes of thinning hair in men besides Male pattern boldness (AGA) are explained in this article.
Osaka AGA Kato Clinic, a clinic specializing in hair growth and hair loss, can treat not only AGA and FAGA, but also alopecia areata and post-coronal hair loss. In response to our patients’ desire to start treatment now, we can begin treatment on the same day of the consultation.
Reservations and consultations on line can be easily made here.
この記事で説明する内容は？
- What is Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
- What are the 7 Major causes of Thinning hair symptoms?
- How Male pattern boldness (AGA) Occurs
- 7 Effective Hair thinning Measures
- Cost and Number of visits to a hair loss clinic
- 6 Alopecia other than AGA cause
- Q&A on Thinning hair
- Is thinning hair hereditary?
- Do people with gray hair not have Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
- Do women not get FAGA?
- Does using cheap shampoo cause thinning hair?
- Does washing your hair too much cause thinning?
- Does a steaming scalp from hats, etc. cause thinning of hair?
- Does UV exposure cause hair thinning?
- Does scalp oil cause thinning hair?
- Are athletes and athletes prone to thinning hair?
- Do hairy people or people with thick body hair have thinning hair?
- Anyway, First check the Condition of your Thinning hair.
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)?
Male pattern boldness (AGA) is an abbreviation for androgenetic alopecia. In other words, Male pattern boldness (AGA) is a male alopecia and refers to symptoms such as progressive thinning and hair loss.
Incidentally, female hair loss is called Male pattern boldness (AGA).
Male pattern boldness (AGA) is a progressive alopecia. Once it develops, it is not expected to heal spontaneously.
To distinguish it from temporary hair loss symptoms, we recommend consulting a hair loss doctor as soon as possible to address the problem.
Common causes of thinning hair, including causes other than Male pattern boldness (AGA), are discussed in the following articles.
Three typical symptoms and characteristics of Male pattern boldness (AGA)
The most important characteristic of Male pattern boldness (AGA) is that thinning and hair loss are not temporary, but progressive. Once the hair on the head begins to thin and is left untreated, it will continue to fall out.
The three typical symptoms of Male pattern boldness (AGA) are as follows;
- A-shaped (U-shaped) alopecia
- M-shaped hair loss
- O-shaped hair loss
If you see early symptoms, deal with them as soon as possible.
A-shaped (U-shaped) alopecia
In the “A-shaped (U-shaped) alopecia,” hair loss progresses as follows;
- Gradual hair loss from the middle of the forehead.
- Thinning hair progresses to the top of the head
- Eventually, hair remains on the back and sides of the head.
It is said to be the most common pattern of symptoms among Asians, including the Japanese.
It is probably the easiest early hair loss symptom to recognize.
M-shaped hair loss
“M-shaped hair loss” is a condition in which hair loss and thinning progresses from the hairline of the forehead. It is named after the shape of the hairline and is said to be common among Westerners.
The process of M-shaped hair loss is similar to that of A-shaped (U-shaped) hair loss. As shown in the figure above, hair loss eventually extends to the top of the head.
Like the A-(U-shaped) alopecia, the early hair loss symptoms of M-shaped alopecia are easy to recognize.
O-shaped hair loss
“O-shaped hair loss” is a condition in which thinning hair expands from the top of the head. The hair loss progresses mainly as shown in the figure above.
- Progressing from the hairline and top of the head
- Thinning and hair loss from both as well.
- Eventually the entire head will be bald.
It is called this because the top of the head is bald in an O shape, or circular. In the case of Asians, O-shaped hair loss is the second most common type of hair loss after A-shaped (U-shaped) hair loss.
O-shaped hair loss progresses from the top of the head.
Type O hair loss is difficult to recognize and may not be noticed until it is pointed out by others.
Other types include a mixture of M- and O-type hair loss.
What are the 7 Major causes of Thinning hair symptoms?
Hair thinning symptoms can be broadly classified into the following causes;
- Due to the male hormone DHT
- Due to heredity
- Due to stress
- Disturbance of eating habits
- Lack of sleep
- Ultraviolet rays
- External factors such as perms
This section details the causes of thinning hair symptoms.
Due to the male hormone DHT
The thinning hair symptoms caused by Male pattern boldness (AGA) are said to be mainly due to DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
DHT is one of the male hormones; DHT plays an important role in spermatogenesis, growth of the fetus and reproductive organs of the child.
It has a role in controlling cell function by suppressing cell proliferation and differentiation.
It is known that too much DHT, or too much work, disrupts the hair growth cycle as shown in the image above, leading to Male pattern boldness (AGA).
To maintain this hair growth cycle, there are treatments that control male hormones through medication.
The detailed mechanism of the hair cycle and how to normalize it are explained in detail in the following article.
Male hormones also affect thinning hair in women
Female pattern boldness is a symptom of thinning hair caused by hormonal imbalance in women.
FAGA stands for Female Androgenetic Alopecia.
Women also produce male hormones.
Hormonal imbalance can increase the percentage of male hormones and lead to thinning hair.
For more information on lifestyle and treatment options to improve female-onset diffuse alopecia areata (FAGA), please see the following article.
Alopecia areata is one of the most common forms of alopecia areata, which is more common in women than in men.
The following article provides more information on how to improve alopecia areata in women, which is common even in their 20s.
Due to heredity
Heredity is not a direct cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA).
However, we do know that the susceptibility to Male pattern boldness (AGA) is influenced by heredity.
The male hormone DHT “dihydrotestosterone,” which causes Male pattern boldness (AGA), is produced by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. 5-alpha-reductase activity seems to be inherited genetically.
It has also been found that the way male hormone receptors that accept DHT “dihydrotestosterone” at the hair root side are affected by heredity.
For more information on whether male pattern baldness is really caused by heredity, please see the following article.
Due to stress
Stress is not a direct cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA).
However, stress is said to be one of the causes of thinning hair.
This is because stress causes a disturbance in the hormonal balance and autonomic nervous system.
And, temporary thinning of hair due to stress often triggers Male pattern boldness (AGA).
For more information on how to balance hormones, please see the following article.
Disturbance of eating habits
Although disordered eating habits are not a direct cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA), they seem to have a negative impact on hair growth and hair regrowth.
An unbalanced diet leads to a lack of protein and minerals such as zinc that should be delivered to the hair.
Too much sugar and oil can lead to clogged pores due to excessive sebum production.
Poor eating habits will worsen blood circulation to the scalp and increase the risk of Male pattern boldness (AGA) symptoms.
So, make sure you eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet three times a day.
Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep is also not a direct cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA), but it can have a negative impact on hair growth and hair regrowth.
Sleep is very important for hair regrowth and hair growth.
When sleep is shortened, cells are not given the time they need to repair themselves.
As a result, the scalp environment will deteriorate, leading to thinning and hair loss.
By all means, give your hair the time it needs to repair itself.
For more information on how to get a good night’s sleep, please see the following article.
Ultraviolet rays
Ultraviolet light is also not a direct cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA), but it can negatively affect hair growth and hair.
It is said that the scalp and hair are exposed to more than twice as much UV radiation as the face.
Some UV rays particularly affect the dermis.
The following article explains in detail the types of UV rays that cause damage to hair and effective UV protection.
External factors such as perms
In addition to the above, there are other external factors that can cause deterioration of the scalp environment.
- Smoking
- Irritating perms and colors
- Wax and other hair styling products and harsh petroleum-based shampoos
How Male pattern boldness (AGA) Occurs
This section explains how thinning hair progresses with the onset of Male boldness (AGA).
- Testosterone and 5-alpha-liragdase combine
Testosterone is an important male hormone.
5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme present in sebaceous glands and papilla cells that intensifies the action of testosterone.
The combination of the two produces the more potent male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). - DHT binds to male hormone receptors
Male hormone receptors are papilla cells at the hairline and top of the head.
When DHT is taken up by the male hormone receptors, the hair loss factor TGF-β is transmitted. - Large amounts of TGF-β, a hair loss factor
TGF-β is a type of protein that controls cell function by suppressing cell growth and differentiation.
However, when it occurs in large amounts, it causes hair to shift from the growth phase to the regression phase. - Lose hair.
7 Effective Hair thinning Measures
The following is an introduction to home care that can be expected to prevent thinning hair, which is also practiced by doctors at thinning hair and beauty clinics.
- Diet that promotes keratin synthesis
- Age-appropriate sleep duration
- Once a day amino acid shampoo
- Determine the cause of stress and eliminate it
- Strength training with emphasis on the lower body
- Use parasols even in winter
- Thinning hair consultation at a clinic specializing in thinning hair
However, if your thinning hair is Male pattern boldness (AGA), the thinning hair will certainly progress.
While implementing countermeasures, please consult an Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic first.
Diet that promotes keratin synthesis
A nutritionally balanced diet is very important for healthy hair.
It is important to consume a good balance of the three major nutrients: protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Learn more about the relationship between diet and thinning hair.
Age-appropriate sleep duration
Good sleep stimulates the secretion of growth hormones and regulates the hair growth cycle.
Eight hours of sleep is considered a good amount of time, but getting lots of sleep does not necessarily mean you will be healthy.
Be sure to set a bedtime routine that is appropriate for your age and the amount of sleep you get.
To help you sleep better, take a bath to warm up your body before going to bed.
Learn more about the relationship between sleep and thinning hair.
Once a day amino acid shampoo
One factor that can worsen the scalp environment is using the wrong shampoo.
By using shampoos that contain strong synthetic surfactants, there is a risk of washing away sebum, which is minimally necessary for the scalp, along with dirt.
Sebum protects the scalp from bacteria and has a moisturizing effect.
When washing hair, we recommend the use of “amino acid shampoos” that contain naturally derived ingredients that cause little irritation to the scalp.
Learn more about the relationship between shampoo and thinning hair.
Determine the cause of stress and eliminate it
Stress can be a factor in the development of thinning hair.
Before stress relief can be used, it is necessary to determine the cause of the stress.
It is also important to have someone to talk to about your problems.
It is recommended that you consult a close friend or a counselor at a hair loss clinic with a proven track record.
Strength training with emphasis on the lower body
To improve the scalp environment, it is necessary to increase basal metabolism.
Strength training is effective in raising basal metabolism and is an effective home care.
For those who work at a desk most of the time, sitting in a chair with good posture so as not to hunch over can help strengthen the core of the body.
Focusing on the lower body, which has a large amount of muscle mass, can effectively increase metabolism.
Learn more about the relationship between exercise and thinning hair and recommended training methods.
Use parasols even in winter
Ultraviolet rays can cause irritation of the scalp.
Summer is the season with the greatest amount of ultraviolet rays, but even in winter, strong ultraviolet rays are falling on the earth’s surface during the noon hour.
UV protection is necessary for the scalp not only in summer but also in winter.
When going out after noon, it is advisable to use a parasol.
Joggers are advised to wear a breathable hat to protect against UV rays.
The following article provides more information on the types of UV rays that can damage hair and effective UV protection.
Thinning hair consultation at a clinic specializing in thinning hair
The best way to deal with thinning hair is to consult a professional hair loss clinic.
If you have progressive Male pattern boldness (AGA), how quickly you start hormone treatment will greatly affect the outcome of symptom improvement.
If you suffer from thinning hair symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a specialist thinning hair clinic.
The following article explains in detail the difference between general dermatologists and cosmetic dermatologists who claim to be able to “handle Male pattern boldness (AGA)” and clinics specializing in AGA, and how to distinguish between them according to symptoms.
Cost and Number of visits to a hair loss clinic
Many people feel fear and anxiety about visiting a hair loss clinic.
If you know in advance the costs and number of visits required, you will feel more comfortable if you know what to expect when you visit the clinic.
If the doctor specializes in Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications, he or she will be able to explain to you not only the benefits of the treatment, but also the possible disadvantages and other risks.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is most futile if you start once and then stop all treatment altogether in the middle of the process. Even if you stop medication treatment temporarily, keep your scalp in good condition and be prepared to resume treatment.
Cost price
The cost of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 yen per month.
Annually, the cost will range from 180,000 yen to 360,000 yen.
For a breakdown of the cost of treatment for thinning hair and ways to lower the cost, please see the following article.
Number and duration of hospital visits
In the case of the most common Male pattern boldness (AGA) multi-drug prescription, patients with mild symptoms may require only three visits to the hospital.
Some patients are cured after only one visit every three months.
Patients with severe hair loss symptoms may require 10 or more visits.
The number of hospital visits may vary depending on the symptoms of thinning hair and the treatment plan of the Male pattern boldness (AGA) clinic.
The number and duration of hospital visits for custom-made prescriptions, hair transplants, Male pattern boldness (AGA) mesotherapy, and local immunotherapy are explained in detail in the following article.
6 Alopecia other than AGA cause
In some cases, even if you think you have Male pattern boldness (AGA), your hair may actually be thinning due to other causes.
Each of them has a different method of dealing with the problem, so please consult with a hair loss clinic as soon as possible.
There are many cases of people who started treatment mistaking their hair for Male pattern boldness (AGA), but regret that it is not actually Male pattern boldness (AGA).
Alopecia not caused by Male pattern boldness (AGA) include
| Types of alopecia | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Androgenetic alopecia |
It is a progressive form of alopecia that develops in one’s 40~50s. Causes and countermeasures for androgenetic alopecia are explained in this article. |
| Alopecia areata |
It is a sudden loss of hair regardless of gender or age. |
| Traction alopecia |
This condition is relatively common among women. |
| Pityriasis alba | This is a condition in which the pores are blocked by dandruff and the hair follicles fail to develop normal hair growth activity, resulting in hair loss. In some cases, inflammation of the scalp occurs. Note that hair care that does not suit your constitution may be the cause. |
| It is caused by excessive sebum production on the scalp, which blocks the pores. This can cause inflammation of the scalp and lead to hair loss. Especially during the summer months, it is important to keep the pores clean, as bacteria and other organisms can easily multiply in the pores. |
|
| Habit of epilation (trichotillomania) | It is a disease in which mental stress causes people to pull out their own hair. It is said to occur mainly in childhood. The condition does not improve in adulthood, and the stress of the condition causes people to unconsciously pull out their own hair. |
| Diffuse alopecia |
It is a thinning hair condition in which hair loss increases and the hair as a whole becomes sparsely thinned. For more information on diffuse alopecia areata (FAGA), please click here. |
Q&A on Thinning hair
There are many theories about thinning hair and hair loss.
Here are some lies and truths about hair.
- Is thinning hair hereditary?
- Do people with gray hair not have Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
- Do women not get FAGA?
- Does using cheap shampoo cause thinning hair?
- Does washing your hair too much cause thinning?
- Does a steaming scalp from hats, etc. cause thinning of hair?
- Does UV exposure cause hair thinning?
- Does scalp oil cause thinning hair?
- Are athletes and athletes prone to thinning hair?
- Do hairy people or people with thick body hair have thinning hair?
Is thinning hair hereditary?
Genetic factors in hair loss are said to account for about 70% of thinning hair.
There are two main genetic factors that contribute to the development of Male pattern boldness (AGA)
- Activity of 5-alpha-liragdase, a reductase that produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA)
- Sensitivity of male hormone receptors to catch dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA)
However, it is also largely determined by lifestyle and scalp environment.
For more information on the relationship between male pattern baldness and heredity, please see the following article.
Do people with gray hair not have Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
Many people have thinning hair even if they have gray hair.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) is a symptom of hair loss due to the change of male hormones into DHT (depilatory hormone).
Gray hair, on the other hand, is a symptom of aging and the loss of melamine pigment in the hair.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) can occur even if the hair is gray because male hormones are still present.
It is not yet known how the susceptibility to DHT (hair loss hormone) differs between the papilla cells that produce gray hair and those that produce black hair.
Do women not get FAGA?
It is said that approximately 50% of female hair loss is due to FAGA.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) is not specific to men, but rather to the male hormone type.
However, women have only one-tenth the amount of male hormones as men.
Because the production of DHT is lower and the degree of hair loss is less severe, Male pattern boldness (AGA) in women is easier to cure than in men.
For more information on female thinning hair FAGA, please see the following article.
Does using cheap shampoo cause thinning hair?
Using inexpensive shampoo will not cause thinning hair.
No matter how hard you scrub with shampoo, the shampoo’s ingredients will not reach the hair matrix cells.
The cells that make hair grow are the hair matrix cells surrounding the hair papilla, which are located further down in the pores of the scalp.
So, using a less expensive shampoo will not cause thinning of the hair.
However, the hair on the outside of the scalp can be damaged by using inferior shampoos.
Also, too much forceful brushing of hair washed with too strong a shampoo will remove the cuticle from the surface of the hair and will damage it.
Does washing your hair too much cause thinning?
Washing hair too much can damage hair, but it has nothing to do with thinning hair.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) is a problem within the body because it is a male hormone related alopecia.
Since hair is the part of the scalp that grows on the outside of the scalp, it is not directly related to Male pattern boldness (AGA).
However, washing the scalp with fingernails can damage the scalp itself and cause dandruff in the process of repairing the cells.
The scalp should be washed gently.
Does a steaming scalp from hats, etc. cause thinning of hair?
Steaming of the scalp occurring outside the body is not a cause of AGA
Steaming of the scalp caused by hats and helmets occurs outside the body on the scalp.
On the other hand, about 90% of thinning hair in men is due to Male pattern boldness (AGA), which is caused by male hormones in the body.
In Male pattern boldness (AGA), male hormones are converted into DHT, a depilatory hormone, which acts on the hair matrix cells that build hair deep in the hair follicles and promotes hair loss.
So scalp steaming, which occurs outside the body, is not the cause of Male pattern boldness (AGA).
Does UV exposure cause hair thinning?
A little exposure to sunlight does not cause thinning hair.
The cause of thinning hair due to Male pattern boldness (AGA) is an inner scalp problem related to male hormones.
The pigment melamine, the source of hair color, is very sensitive to ultraviolet light.
It is true that direct sunlight may damage the hair.
But it does not damage the hair-growing cells that exist inside the scalp.
The following article provides more information on the types of UV rays that can damage hair and effective UV protection.
Does scalp oil cause thinning hair?
Hair loss due to Male pattern boldness (AGA) is caused by the conversion of male hormones into hair loss hormones.
The outer problem of the scalp, oil, has nothing to do with this mechanism.
It is possible for an unclean scalp environment caused by a temporary lifestyle disorder to cause hair loss or alopecia.
However, this does not mean that if the scalp is clean and free of any oil, the weakened hair follicles will regrow.
Are athletes and athletes prone to thinning hair?
That athletes and athletes are more prone to thinning hair is currently controversial in the scientific community.
Many people believe that athletes and athletes have higher levels of male hormones and therefore have more muscle mass than normal people, and therefore have a stronger Male pattern boldness (AGA).
Indeed, the cause of hair loss due to Male pattern boldness (AGA) is the conversion of male hormones into hair loss hormones.
So the greater the amount and action of the hormone, the greater the effect of the hair loss hormone.
However, this theory is still only in the hypothetical stage.
Do hairy people or people with thick body hair have thinning hair?
It does not seem to be the case either that hairy people or people with thick body hair will have thinning hair.
Testosterone is a hormone that has the effect of creating a masculine body.
So a person with thick body hair and beard is considered to have such a high production of male hormones.
This would increase the production of DHT, a hair loss hormone, and increase the likelihood of hair loss.
Anyway, First check the Condition of your Thinning hair.
At Osaka AGA Kato Clinic, we introduce the best countermeasures for our patients according to the symptoms and condition of thinning hair that can be identified at the initial consultation.
Depending on the condition, dramatic improvement can often be achieved with lifestyle changes alone without a visit to the clinic. However, if it is a progressive Male pattern boldness (AGA) caused by malfunctioning male hormones, unfortunately, it will not improve with private treatment or self-efforts.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is a race against time anyway. Safe treatment methods using oral medications have been established, and if treatment is started early, symptoms can be improved at a low cost.
Please check the condition of your scalp and hair as soon as possible to determine if medication is necessary.
Do not keep your thinning hair problem to yourself. Work with a thinning hair doctor at Osaka AGA Kato Clinic to find the best treatment option for you. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward a new you.
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