Hair Loss Glossary
Alopecia – The scientific term for hair loss, or baldness. It may refer to either hair loss from the head or body.
A.G.A – AndroGenetic Alopecia, also known simply as “pattern balding”, is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) kills hair follicles and stops hair growth in particular areas. Some 70% of men and 40% of women are affected by A.G.A. to some degree and at some point.
M.A.G.A. – Male AndroGenetic Alopecia, also known as “male pattern balding”. Testosterone turns into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) and damages hair follicles causing hair loss in a well-defined pattern, usually beginning above the temples, along with thinning of the crown and progressing into partial or complete balding.
F.A.G.A. – Female AndroGenetic Alopecia. With women, this type of balding usually causes thinning of the hair over the entire head rather than in a defined pattern common to hair loss in men.
DHT – Dihydrotestosterone (the male hormone also found, in trace levels, in women) interacts with the 5-alpha reductase enzyme found in the hair follicle’s oil glands and is converted to DHT. The DHT then causes hair follicles to shrink and then renders them incapable of growing healthy hair.
Aggravated Male AndroGenetic Alopecia – Male AndroGenetic Alopecia is indeed genetic but it is also associated with numerous contributing medical conditions such as coronary heart disease, prostate enlargement, insulin production disorders, and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Aggravated Female AndroGenetic Alopecia – In women, AndroGenetic Alopecia is associated with medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which involves a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance may cause irregular menstruation, acne outbreaks, weight gain, excess body hair (hirsutism) as well as thinning of hair loss.
Oily Scalp – The sebaceous glands in our skin secrete sebum designed to waterproof and protect the skin. When the sebum glands in our scalp are overactive our skin pores may become clogged and hair growth impeded.
Nutrition – An adequate supply of nourishing vitamins and minerals is fundamental to healthy hair growth