Hair Restoration, Hair Transplant, Hair Loss Treatment Clinic

How Useful Is Genetic Testing for Androgenetic Alopecia?

By Sharon A. Keene, MD. Tucson, AZ

The following article was written by Sharon A. Keene, a trained general surgeon at the University of Arizona. She is a board certified surgeon specializing in hair restoration surgery for the past 15 years. A pioneer of new techniques and tools, she has developed several innovative devices, including the multi recipient site scalpel, tools for graft hydration and a video-scope dissection system. This article takes a look into genetics and how they can help patients with androgenetic alopecia. The following is an excerpt from her writings:

Genetic mapping has made it possible to identify 2 genetic variants on the androgen receptor gene which are as associated with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The presence of one of the variants reveals moderately increased risk for development of AGA before the age of 40, and the other reveals a substantially decreased risk for developing baldness.

To review the published research establishing this association and the usefulness and limitations of this genetic marker in predicting risk of hair loss from AGA, as well as its possible application in clinical practice to guide medical intervention.

Review of the relevant peer reviewed, published studies regarding genetic mapping and AGA.

It is known that androgenetic alopecia is a polygenic entity. Recent studies of genetic mapping show a relationship between the development of visible appearance of androgenetic alopecia and certain genetic variants found on the Androgen Receptor gene of the X chromosome. By the time many men discern they are being affected, substantial hair loss has occurred. A genetic test may offer the opportunity to identify the risk for significant hair loss at a time when medical therapy may be most effective, before overt thinning is noticeable. Additional markers related to androgenetic alopecia may be identified that can improve our ability to predict other aspects of hair loss that impact this patient population, and these will also be discussed.

Genetic mapping techniques make it possible to detect certain markers which can establish whether a patient has a greater or lesser risk for developing hair loss due to AGA. It is likely that additional genetic tests will become available to offer patients greater information about their particular risks, pattern, etc which will allow them to make even more informed decisions with less guess work about what the future holds in regard to their hair loss from AGA.