Know anything about Androgenic Alopecia?

I was diagnosed with Androgenic Alopecia. Does anyone else have this condition or have any information about the condition? I would be appreciative of any and all help.

Bryantgirl

Is that the Alopecia where you have small bald spots? If so, I have that also. I have not yet been diagnosed but I'm sure that's what it is because it has been that way for several years.

Here's a web site with info: www.keratin.com

Hi Wanda~

Thanks for the reply.
Androgenic Alopecia is an overall thinning of the hair with or without a receding hairline. My hair looks like a mild case of male pattern baldness.

Bryantgirl

FROM: http://www.skinsite.com/info_androgenic_alopecia.htm

I. Definition:

Androgenic alopecia is the name for male and female pattern baldness. In androgenic alopecia the hair loss occurs slowly over years. It can start anytime after age twenty. There is usually a family history of hair loss. In women, the hair slowly becomes thin throughout the scalp and bald spots usually do not occur. Men first develop hair loss at the temples, followed by an enlarging bald spot on top of the head.



II. Causes:

Androgenic alopecia is thought to be due to the hair growing tissue's sensitivity to hormones; this sensitivity is due to genetic factors.
Not contagious, not caused by foods, not the result of nervousness.
Androgenic alopecia often runs in families.


III. Treatment:

Rogaine (minoxidil) is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure which when applied to the skin causes hair growth in some individuals. One out of ten people who use Rogaine will grow hair. Rogaine will slow the rate of hair loss in five out of ten patients who use it. The other four out of ten are wasting their money.

Hair transplants are another option for treating androgenic alopecia. Plugs of hair are removed surgically from areas with plenty of hair and implanted in the areas with little hair.

Some people can benefit from scalp reduction. This is a surgical procedure in which the bald area is cut out.

Propecia is a new medication taken by mouth which treats androgenic alopecia.

Hotchocolate~

Thanks for the reply and link.
The website is loaded with information and very informative.

Bryantgirl

I am an advocate of natural methods of treatments because they are usually not habit-forming nor do things take a fast downward dive if you stop following a procedure for any reason (eg financial reasons). I once posted what my nutritional bible recommended for dealing/treating hairloss. Check out this thread.

Another very informative and interesting website is www.add-hair.com. Although it's mainly directed at people with Androgenic Alopecia, it has some very good info about promoting hair growth and is worth checking out. (No prizes for guessing how much I love that website. I must've pointed it out about three times in two weeks. )

Mly3c~

Thanks for the reply,link and information. You all are so knowledgeable, kind and supportive. The propecia looks like an option, I may give it a try.

Bryantgirl

No Problem! Good Luck with the option you choose and God Bless You

Nonie~

Thanks for the reply and links.
My first choice would be to treat the alopecia naturally, but Im losing hair and hairline at such an alarming rate,Im desperate After joining the boards last month I increased my biotin intake and added a dht blocker to the Andrew Lessman hair,skin and nails and multi I was taking. Additionally,I changed my hair care regimen. I have never worn weaves or wigs and would definitely like to keep it that way. I may add a few more suppliments to my regimen and hope I can hold off on the hair weaves and propecia. I don't want to add all of the suppliments at once, which would you recommend adding first?

Bryantgirl

Hey bryantgirl,

I am sorry to hear about your hair issue. I hope that these supplements will help. Much luv and hope to ya.

Tracy

My nonie knows her stuff lol But yeah i would try to treat it naturally. I assume DHT causes hairloss in women as well well Saw Palmetto inhibits DHT from attacking the hair follicles. I've also read that someone used alfalfa tablets to regrow hair

Tracyannette~

You are an angel . Thank you for your kind words and well wishes.
I feel a true sisterhood with the women of the forum and I am blown away by their compassion, generosity and knowledge.
With the knowledge I gain from all of you, Im hopeful I can at least slow the hair loss and just maybe regrow hair.

Bryantgirl

So many things to try and lots of wisdom here. I just wanted to post to say I'll be praying for your restoration. Think positive!

Ladydee~

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I am trying to digest the information and remain positive. I appreciate your prayers on my behalf. You are an angel

Bryantgirl

Hi ladies, this is an old thread but I am bumping because my friend is dealing with this and needs some suggestions. One of the biggest problems is that she has an issue swollowing pills. So she does not take vitamins. Nonnie has a link, but it seems to not be active anymore. Any suggestions on products would be great.

Thanks!

bryantgirl said:

I was diagnosed with Androgenic Alopecia.

Does anyone else have this condition or have any information about the condition? I would be appreciative of any and all help.

Bryantgirl

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About 3 yrs ago, a Dr told me I was going to be bald in 6 months. After losing my mind, I lost the victim mentality and decided to do whatever I needed to do to save my hair! Nonie sent me the essential oils for hair growth treatment and it works! (THANKS 10 MILLION TIMES NONIE!) I alternate this weekly with Men's Rogaine. I found another dermatologist who prescribed 75 mg Spironolactone-the side effect is hair growth, got steroid shots for about 6 months (OUCH!) and used a topical steroid for a year. I massaged my scalp constantly and started using SLS free shampoos and dominican conditioners; I wash and condition every other day. My dermatologist recommended that I reduce the sebum on my scalp in order for the medications to work. Try Shekekai powder scrubs weekly. This is an inexpensive way to clear all the "junk" from your scalp so hair will have a better chance of growing. You can get Shekekai from an Indian store. If you don't see any results, go to Biokorium.com and check out the glycolic scalp scrub. A little bit expensive but after 3 treatments, my hair grew and grew! They will mail order the product. You will have to wear protective styles during the process and stay away from heat and chemicals. Whatever you do, DON'T GIVE UP! You can beat this but it will take time, effort and a little bit of money. Oh by the way, I'm not bald--I have twice the amount of hair!!!