The Genetics of Hair Loss
The Genetics of Hair Loss : There are many theories regarding the genetics of hair loss. Male pattern baldness and other types of hair loss are inherited from family members and is passed down through the generations, but how the genes get passed out and distributed varies greatly. You might have heard the popular myth that hair loss is passed down to men from the mother’s side of the family and to women from their father’s side. These myths travel alongside countless other genetic theories regarding how hair loss may be transmitted from one generation to the next. One man might experience baldness at a certain age while his twin brother might not. Genetic hair loss appears predominately in men, but might also appear in a few select women. There is no way to actually know whether you will inherit that defective gene or not. Genes can stay dormant and skip a few generations before it begins to impact you.
The Genetics of Hair Loss
The common genetic pattern baldness is known by a standard name as “male pattern baldness” but pattern baldness is also the most common form of hair loss in women. The pattern baldness in both the genders is referred to as androgenetic alopecia. In pattern baldness in both men and women, there is an increased hair loss, as more and more hair thins and enters a resting or “telogen” phase instead of remaining in the growing or “anagen” phase. Eventually the degree of hair loss becomes so severe that it starts manifesting itself in the form of baldness. The exact inheritance pattern in genetic hair loss is still debated. It is mostly considered to be an autosomal dominant and polygenic trait, which can be inherited from either parent. Studies have shown that polymorphism plays an important role for the expression of the pattern balding.
New studies and a more thorough understanding of the human genome confirm that male and female pattern baldness is a complex genetic trait. There are still many questions regarding genetics and hair loss that scientists have yet to answer, but it’s very clear that your genes play a crucial role in determining whether you will be bald or not. However, not all hair loss or thinning hair is an indication of genetic hair loss. Normal thinning does occur with age, however this slight thinning is barely noticeable and does not cause bald patches. Don’t worry simply because they are losing a few more hairs daily, but should be concerned if they begin to notice thin or bald spaces.
If you are concerned about excessive hair loss, or have questions regarding hair loss and genetics, please contact Board Certified Los Angeles Hair Surgeon at DermHair Clinic. For hair restoration in Los Angeles, please call (310)318-1500, or visit our website for a free online consultation.
