Genes & Hair Loss
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Genetic predisposition to hair loss can be understood as a hereditary susceptibility of hair follicle to male hormone (Androgen). Hair loss as a result of androgen is termed “androgenetic alopecia.” Androgenetic alopecia only affects individuals who inherited the gene for ‘baldness’ from either parent. However, is important to note that not everyone who carries the gene susceptible for androgenic alopecia will develop hair loss.
The gene responsible for androgenic alopecia codes for an important enzyme 5-alpha reductase that converts Testosterone to its active form Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds androgen receptor found on the cell membrane of various cells including hair follicles. Androgen receptor activation on the hair follicles causes the hair to become smaller and thinner. This is especially true for individuals whose hair follicles are genetically predisposed to become oversensitive to DHT.