Androgen-related alopecia (AGA) is a fairly common type of hair loss. It affects both men and women, although it is slightly different for both sexes. In women, there are two “peak periods” of hair loss – between the ages of 20 and 24 and between the ages of 35 and 39, while alopecia is rather diffuse.
The high level of androgens in women, apart from hair loss, is the cause of seborrhea, acne and hirsutism, i.e. excessive hair growth in areas typical for men. In each case of diffuse alopecia in women, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of this state of affairs, often with the participation of many specialists. Hormonal baldness also affects women in the postpartum period and during menopause.
Postpartum hair loss begins 10-13 weeks postpartum and lasts up to week 20. In most cases, the hair grows back completely after a few months. The reason for this is the fact that in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, fewer hair follicles than under normal conditions go into the telogen stage. As a result, the number of dystrophic hairs increases in the two to five months postpartum; this hair then falls out.
Menopausal alopecia is manifested by an extensive thinning of the hair at the top of the head. At the same time, symptoms of hirsutism are observed, which with the passage of time from the end of menstruation, constantly increase due to the disturbance of the estrogen to androgen ratio. A beneficial effect may be brought about by the introduction of hormone replacement therapy with the simultaneous use of external preparations.