Androgenetic Alopecia (Androgenic Hair Loss): Causes, Symptoms & Functional Medicine Treatment

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—commonly referred to as hereditary hair loss—is the most common cause of hair thinning and baldness in both men and women. In men, it appears as male pattern baldness, while in women it presents as female pattern hair loss.

Although androgenetic alopecia is genetically determined, its onset, severity, and progression are strongly influenced by epigenetic factors such as diet, stress levels, hormonal balance, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, smoking, and alcohol intake.

In this article, we explore what androgenetic alopecia is, why it happens, how it is diagnosed, and how both conventional and functional medicine approaches can help manage hair loss effectively.

Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a progressive, hormone-mediated hair loss condition driven by genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens—especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Hair follicles affected by AGA gradually shrink over time, leading to:

• Thinner hair strands

• Shorter hair growth cycles

• Eventual follicle dormancy

To understand this better, let’s first look at the normal hair growth cycle.

Hair Growth Cycle Explained

Hair grows in a cyclical process consisting of four stages: A growth phase (anagen), followed by a resting phase (telogen), then shedding, and finally regrowth.

1. Anagen (Growth Phase)

• Lasts 3–5 years

• Active hair growth phase

• Determines hair length and thickness

2. Catagen (Transition Phase)

• Lasts about 10 days

• Hair follicle detaches from blood supply

3. Telogen (Resting Phase)

• Hair remains in place but stops growing

• Lasts around 2–3 months

4. Exogen (Shedding Phase)

• Old hair falls out

• New hair begins to grow

In androgenetic alopecia, the anagen phase shortens and follicles progressively miniaturize, producing finer, weaker hair until growth eventually stops.

Types of Androgenetic Alopecia

• Male Pattern Hair-loss: It begins with a hairline recession at the temples, creating an “M” shape and thin hair at the crown.  

• Female Pattern Hair-loss: In this, there is thinning across the top of the scalp, particularly the central parting, and widening of the part.

• Early onset or Atypical patterns: It involves diffuse thinning rather than the classic patterned recession, i.e., all over the top rather than just front/crown.

Causes of Androgenic Alopecia

1. Genetics

A family history of hair loss significantly increases the risk of developing androgenetic alopecia.

2. Hormonal Factors

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a central role:

• Testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase

• DHT binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles

• This leads to follicle shrinkage and reduced hair production

3. Environmental & Lifestyle Triggers

While genetics set the stage, the following accelerate progression:

• Poor nutrition

• Chronic stress

• Air & water pollution

• Heavy metal exposure

• Smoking and alcohol consumption

Signs & Symptoms of Androgenic Alopecia

Common signs and symptoms are:

• Gradual thinning of hair

• Male and female pattern hair loss

• Increased hair shredding

• Weakened, brittle hair strands

• Increased scalp visibility

Diagnosis of Androgenic Alopecia 

1. Medical History and Physical Examination:

   • Assessment of hair loss patterns and family history.

2. Scalp Examination:

   • Using a dermatoscope to examine hair follicles and scalp condition.

3. Blood Tests:

   • To rule out other causes of hair loss, such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment Options for Androgenic Alopecia

Conventional Treatments

1. Medications:

   • Minoxidil:  This topical solution or foam helps to stimulate hair growth.

   • Finasteride: This prescription medication reduces DHT levels, which further helps to slow down hair loss and also promotes regrowth.

2. Hair Transplant Surgery:

   • Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE) to replant hair follicles from a denser area to the balding regions.

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):

   • This therapy uses laser devices to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.

4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

   • Injections of platelet-rich plasma are derived from the patient's blood to stimulate hair follicles.

Functional Medicine Approach for Androgenic Alopecia

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and correcting root causes rather than only suppressing symptoms. It can be used alone or alongside conventional treatments.

Functional Medicine Evaluation Includes

• Blood tests for inflammation, autoimmunity, organ function, metabolic health, nutrient absorption & hormones

• Stool & urine tests for gut dysbiosis and leaky gut

• Food sensitivity testing

• Hair mineral analysis for heavy metal exposure

Personalised Treatment Strategy

Depending on the test results and the detailed medical history taken, a customised functional medicine treatment is created. This treatment plan targets:

1. Dietary Changes

• Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet

• Removal of trigger foods

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• Stress management

• Sunlight exposure

• Physical activity & sleep optimisation

3. Targeted Supplements

• Vitamins & minerals

• Vitamin D

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Zinc, magnesium

• Probiotics (as required)

Preventive Strategies for Hair-loss/Hair thinning

• Use mild, chemical-free shampoos

• Avoid too much hair styling using various creams or lotions. Excessive heat styling can damage your hair.

• Quit smoking & limit alcohol

• Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness that will help to manage and relieve stress.

• Stay well-hydrated to keep your scalp hydrated, which is essential for maintaining healthy hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

• Avoid overwashing your hair, as it will remove natural oils present in your scalp, leading to dryness and irritation. Just washing your hair 2-3 times per week is good enough.

• Massaging your scalp 2-3 times a week helps improve blood circulation to the hair follicles and promotes relaxation. You can use your fingers or a scalp massaging tool to gently massage your scalp using good-quality oil.

Conclusion

Managing androgenetic alopecia requires a long-term, holistic strategy. While genetics cannot be changed, early intervention, lifestyle optimisation, and root-cause-based functional medicine care can significantly slow progression and improve hair quality.

A personalised approach guided by proper testing offers the best outcomes.

Treat your Androgenic Alopecia with Functional Medicine

If you’re ready to restore hair health and improve overall well-being, we’re here to support you with a personalised functional medicine recovery program.

Book your FREE discovery call today and learn how a customised plan can help you regain healthier hair—naturally and sustainably.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic form of hair loss caused by sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens like DHT, leading to gradual hair thinning in men and women.

Is androgenetic alopecia permanent?

It is progressive but manageable. Early treatment can slow hair loss and improve hair quality, especially before follicles become inactive.

What causes androgenetic alopecia in women?

Common causes include genetics, hormonal imbalance (PCOS, thyroid issues, menopause), nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and stress.

Does DHT cause hair loss in everyone?

No. Only people with genetically sensitive hair follicles experience hair loss from DHT.

Can androgenetic alopecia be reversed naturally?

Hair loss can be slowed and partially reversed if follicles are still active, using diet, lifestyle changes, and functional medicine support.

How is androgenetic alopecia diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes medical history, scalp examination, and blood tests to rule out hormonal or nutritional causes.

What is the best treatment for androgenetic alopecia?

Treatment depends on severity and cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, functional medicine apparoach, PRP, or hair transplant.

Can stress worsen androgenetic alopecia?

Yes. Chronic stress increases inflammation and hormonal imbalance, which can accelerate hair thinning.

How long does treatment take to show results?

Most people notice reduced hair fall in 6–8 weeks and visible improvement in 3–6 months.

Does diet affect androgenetic alopecia?

Yes. Deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3s can worsen hair loss.

Is hair transplant a permanent solution?

Hair transplant restores density but does not stop ongoing hair loss. Internal support is still needed.

References

1. Kaliyadan Feroze et al. Androgenetic alopecia: An update. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2013:79

2. Sehgal VN, Kak R, Aggarwal A, Srivastava G, Rajput P. Male pattern androgenetic alopecia in an Indian context: A perspective study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2007;21:473-9.

3. Stough D, Stenn K, Haber R, Parsley WM, Vogel JE, Whiting DA, et al. Psychological effect, pathophysiology, and management of androgenetic alopecia in men. Mayo Clin Proc 2005;80:1316-22.

4. Girman CJ, Hartmaier S, Roberts J, Bergfeld W, Waldstreicher J. Patient-perceived importance of negative effects of androgenetic alopecia in women. J Womens Health Gend Based Med 1999;8:1091-5.

5. Shankar DK, Chakravarthi M, Shilpakar R. Male androgenetic alopecia: Population-based study in 1,005 subjects. Int J Trichol 2009;1:131-3.