Habits and androgenetic alopecia

Nowadays an increasing physical appearance concern linked to a better quality of life is more and more evident. The imposition of aesthetic ideals through social media makes especially young people considering common baldness as a major worrying issue. Stressful urban daily routines also emphasize androgenetic alopecia (AGA) progression to severe states prematurely. In this context, as sooner a person shows common baldness first signs, as higher can be his psychological impact in the long term.

In general terms, genetic background is especially relevant in the AGA onset. As we know, AGA is triggered when dihydrotestosterone interacts with androgen receptors (ARs) in dermal papilla cells located in hair bulbs. ARs expression is determined by AR gene which is located on the X chromosome, hence maternal grandfather`s AGA history increases hair loss likelihood. 5alfareductase enzyme, responsible of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone transformation, also plays a significant role.

Nevertheless, although genetic heritage seems to be the main causative factor, habits such as smoking and saturated fats intake can accelerate AGA onset or exacerbate its progression. In fact, relation between AGA and unhealthy diets is plausible particularly given the association of AGA with comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, a high body mass index, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and dyslipidaemia. The reasons that explain this matter are based on common factors as oxidative stress and microinflammation, which in their chronic form, could lead to premature AGA onset by impairing hair follicle functionality.

As mentioned, AGA onset has a huge impact particularly at younger ages for whom aesthetic concerns are especially significant. Therefore, new drugs aimed at preventing it are urgently needed. Meanwhile increasing awareness of the environmental and lifestyle factors impact on our hair health can help us to avoid its onset or to delay its progression. At the same time, the management of its related comorbidities should be a top priority, forming part of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment approach. Such an integrated strategy will also contribute to more effective outcomes in the management of AGA.