Genetics of Pattern Baldness

Abstract

Male pattern baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) is the predominant form of hair loss in men. It is called "pattern baldness" due to a typical pattern of hair line that some people refer to as the "M" shape. Male pattern baldness occurs when genetically susceptible follicles on the scalp start decreasing in size due to stimulation by testosterone. Hair follicles in different areas of the body respond in different ways to testosterone. Some follicles enlarge, such as beard, axillary and pubic hairs; some decrease in size, such as vertex and frontal scalp hair follicles, and some remain unaffected, like eyebrows and eyelashes. The key hormone involved in hair loss from the vertex and front of the scalp is believed to be the active metabolite of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone. Enzyme 5 alpha reductase, which was first discovered in the prostate gland, accelerates the process of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Various pharmaceutical and botanical preparations aim to decrease the activity of the enzyme, thus reducing the rate of hair loss.

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• Role of genetics vs. role of environmental factors in the development of androgenic alopecia
• Susceptibility to hair loss as polygenic trait
• Role of individual genes in pattern baldness
• Female baldness: relation to Hyperandrogenic Syndrome
• Role of family history of baldness in female pattern baldness

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