# Androgenetic *alopecia.*

> Androgenetic alopecia explained: role of DHT and genetics, patterns in men and women, diagnosis, proven treatments (minoxidil, finasteride)

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-androgenetische-alopezie-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

Hereditary hair loss – receding temples and crown in men, a thinning parting in women. The most common cause of hair loss.

## A closer look.

Androgenetic alopecia affects about half of men and a third of women over a lifetime. The cause is a hereditary sensitivity of the hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shortens the growth phase and shrinks the follicles. In men it starts at the temples and crown, in women diffusely on the top of the head – the hairline usually remains.

The physician makes the diagnosis from the pattern, the history and if needed an examination of the follicles; in women iron, thyroid and hormones are also checked. Proven treatments are minoxidil (topical, both sexes) and finasteride (tablets, men) – both work only while they are used.

PRP is a complementary option with moderate evidence: it can improve hair density and thickness but does not replace dead follicles. Realistic is stabilisation and densification, not a return to the hair of twenty years ago. In advanced loss, hair transplantation remains the option.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).

## At a glance.

- **Cause:** DHT sensitivity, hereditary
- **Men:** temples, crown
- **Women:** diffuse at the parting
- **Proven:** minoxidil, finasteride; PRP complementary

## Frequently asked questions.

**Is PRP an alternative to minoxidil?**

More of a complement. Many combine both; the decision depends on extent and tolerance.

**Does PRP help receding temples?**

Only if active follicles remain there. Not on smooth skin without fluff.

## Related pages.

- [PRP for hair loss](https://www.vivaderm.de/prp-hair-en.html) – Treatment
- [Hair cycle](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-haarzyklus-en.html) – Lexicon
- [FAQ](https://www.vivaderm.de/faq-en.html) – FAQ

## Sources

- [NHS: hair loss](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/)
- [DermNet – dermatology reference](https://dermnetnz.org/)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.