Androgenetic Alopecia: Complete Guide to Causes and Treatments

If you're noticing that your hair covers less of your temples with each passing year, or that your crown looks more "open" in every photo, you're probably dealing with the most common type of hair loss in the world: androgenetic alopecia. It affects millions of men and women, follows a recognizable pattern, and — most importantly — has treatments backed by science. In this guide we explain what it is, why it happens, and what you can do today to slow it down.

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia (also called common or "pattern" baldness) is a progressive, hereditary form of hair loss caused by hair follicles' sensitivity to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, this hormone causes affected follicles to shrink with each hair cycle, a process called follicular miniaturization: hair grows back finer, shorter, and less pigmented each time, until in some cases the follicle stops producing visible hair.

It isn't contagious and it isn't caused by poor hygiene: above all, it's a genetic and hormonal issue that can be managed if you address it early.

How to recognize the pattern in men and women

In men, androgenetic alopecia usually follows the well-known Norwood scale: it starts with a receding hairline at the temples, progresses toward the crown, and, if untreated, both areas can eventually merge.

In women, the pattern is different and is described using the Ludwig scale: instead of a receding hairline, the most common sign is diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp, with the front hairline generally preserved. That's why in women it's often first noticed through more visible scalp along the part, or a ponytail that feels thinner than before.

Why it happens: genetics, hormones, and other factors

The main cause is genetic: you inherit follicles with receptors that are more sensitive to DHT, and this predisposition can come from either side of the family. From there, several factors can accelerate the process or make it more visible:

Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause), chronic stress, certain conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, and habits such as smoking or a diet low in nutrients essential for hair can act as "accelerators" on top of an existing genetic predisposition.

How it's diagnosed

A dermatologist can confirm androgenetic alopecia through a scalp examination (often using trichoscopy, a type of digital microscope), checking the pattern of loss and hair thickness in different areas, and if needed, blood tests to rule out other causes such as thyroid issues or iron deficiency. Putting a name to the problem is the first step toward choosing the right treatment and not wasting time on generic solutions.

Treatments with proven results

The good news is that the earlier you act, the better the follicle responds. The approaches with the strongest backing are:

Topical minoxidil: extends the hair's growth phase and improves blood flow to the follicle. It's one of the treatments with the most evidence for slowing hair loss and boosting density.

Specific oral supplements: formulas designed to nutritionally support the follicle from within, with ingredients like biotin, zinc, iron, L-cystine, and Serenoa repens extract (saw palmetto), which helps naturally modulate DHT activity. One example is Xpecia Hombre, a food supplement formulated specifically to give nutritional support to men's hair affected by pattern hair loss.

Prescription medical treatments (such as oral finasteride), which act directly on the hormonal conversion, always under medical supervision.

Microneedling or scalp mesotherapy, which can boost the absorption of other topical treatments.

Hair transplant, in more advanced stages, when the goal is to restore density in areas that are already heavily miniaturized.

Combining more than one approach usually gives the best results — for example, a topical treatment alongside an oral supplement like Xpecia Hombre — while staying consistent for several months, since the hair cycle is slow and results aren't immediate.

What to expect from treatment, and when

Patience is key: hair has a growth cycle that lasts several months, so the first visible changes (less shedding when brushing, slightly thicker hair) usually appear between the third and sixth month of consistent use. Visible density in photos usually takes longer, between six and twelve months. Stopping treatment before that point is the most common mistake, and it usually means losing the progress you've made.

How to slow its progress day to day

Beyond your specific treatment, it helps to eat enough protein, iron, and zinc, care for your scalp by avoiding harsh products, manage stress, and avoid smoking, since it reduces blood flow to the follicle. None of these habits replace an active treatment, but they do improve its effectiveness and help maintain results over time.

Androgenetic alopecia doesn't have to feel like a life sentence: it's a well-studied condition with accessible treatments and real results when you act early and stay consistent. If you're seeing the first signs, the sooner you start caring for your follicles, the easier it will be to keep the density you have now.

Frequently asked questions about androgenetic alopecia

Is androgenetic alopecia hereditary?

Yes, its main cause is genetic: you inherit follicles with receptors that are more sensitive to DHT, and this predisposition can come from either side of the family. On top of that, factors such as hormonal changes, chronic stress or smoking can accelerate the process or make it more visible.

Is androgenetic alopecia caused by poor hygiene?

No. It isn't contagious and it isn't caused by poor hygiene: above all, it's a genetic and hormonal issue linked to the follicles' sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Even so, caring for your scalp by avoiding harsh products is one of the habits that help maintain the results of your treatment.

Do I need to see a dermatologist to know if I have androgenetic alopecia?

It's recommended. A dermatologist can confirm it by examining your scalp, often with trichoscopy, checking the pattern of loss and hair thickness and, if needed, ordering blood tests to rule out other causes, such as thyroid issues or iron deficiency, before choosing a treatment that fits your situation.

Do food supplements cure androgenetic alopecia?

No. A food supplement doesn't cure or treat androgenetic alopecia: its role is to provide nutritional support. Ingredients such as biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. If you want to combine a supplement with your treatment, talk to your dermatologist first, who will assess the right approach for your case.

Why shouldn't I stop treatment after just a few months?

Because hair has a growth cycle that lasts several months and results aren't immediate. The first changes usually appear between the third and sixth month of consistent use, and visible density takes between six and twelve months. Stopping earlier is the most common mistake and usually means losing the progress you've made.