What causes androgenetic alopecia?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): After women develop this condition, their ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgens, leading to elevated androgen levels in the body and resulting in hair loss. For this condition, doctors may prescribe medications such as dydrogesterone tablets, cyproterone acetate tablets, or metformin tablets depending on the individual case, and will also advise patients to manage body weight and regulate menstrual cycles.
In general, androgenetic alopecia may be caused by genetic factors, aging, endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal cortical hyperplasia, tumors, and other conditions. When such conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia has a hereditary component. If there is a family history of this condition, offspring may carry susceptibility genes. Under the influence of androgens, hair follicles gradually shrink, leading to hair loss. Daily hair care, avoiding excessive perming or dyeing, is sufficient; no special treatment is usually required.
2. Aging: As age increases, overall bodily functions gradually decline, including hair follicle function, which becomes weaker and more sensitive to androgens, making individuals prone to androgenetic alopecia. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and moderate exercise can help slow down aging and reduce the severity of hair loss.
3. Endocrine Disorders: Long-term sleep deprivation, excessive mental stress, and similar factors can lead to endocrine imbalances, resulting in relatively increased androgen secretion. Excess androgens stimulate hair follicles, causing hair to become finer and softer, eventually leading to progressive hair loss. Doctors typically prescribe medications such as finasteride tablets, spironolactone tablets, or ethinylestradiol-cyproterone acetate tablets based on individual circumstances.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): In women, PCOS causes the ovaries to produce excessive amounts of androgens, elevating systemic androgen levels and triggering hair loss. For this condition, doctors may prescribe dydrogesterone tablets, cyproterone acetate tablets, or metformin tablets depending on the case, along with recommendations for weight management and menstrual cycle regulation.
5. Adrenal Cortical Hyperplasia: Overproduction of androgens by the adrenal cortex leads to abnormally high levels of androgens in the body, resulting in androgenetic alopecia. Treatment involves medications such as hydrocortisone acetate tablets, dexamethasone acetate tablets, or prednisolone tablets, depending on disease severity. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Maintain good daily habits, regular作息, a balanced diet, learn to manage emotions effectively, and undergo routine physical examinations for early detection and timely treatment.
