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androgenetic alopecia (inherited hair loss)

androgenetic alopecia is a type of hair loss that is inherited from either or both the mother and the father. also known as male- or female-pattern hair loss, it is the most common cause of hair loss.

the condition occurs when the growth (anagen) phase of the hair growth cycle becomes shorter and shorter. a genetic sensitivity to androgens, a type of hormone, causes hair follicles—where hair growth begins—to sprout hairs that are thinner and shorter than normal. over time, the hair follicles no longer produce hair.

  • in men, hair loss occurs on the front hairline and forehead and on the top of the head. bald spots are noticeable.
  • in women, hair loss occurs as thinning of hair on the top of the head. women tend to keep their front hairline and do not generally develop bald spots.

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