Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGenetic TypesGenes ResponsibleGenetic TestingPermanence & Treatability
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Genetic Types
Genes Responsible
Genetic Testing
Permanence & Treatability
Alopecia is a condition in which hair falls out from different parts of the body. It can sometimes be tied to genetics.While not all hair loss is genetic, specific types of alopecia, like male-pattern baldness and alopecia areata, often run in families.Understanding these connections can help you identify whether your own risk of alopecia might be hereditary and what can or cannot be changed.
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Genetic Types of Alopecia
Alopecia can appear in several forms, and some are more directly linked to genetic factors than others. The role genetics plays in common types of alopecia for men and women follows.
In Males
In Females
While it can begin in young adulthood too, it is more common for women to experience this type of hair loss after menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate significantly.Female-pattern baldness rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as is sometimes seen in men.
Genes Responsible for Alopecia
Multiple genes have been identified that are associated with different types of alopecia. Understanding these genes can provide insight into why certain individuals are predisposed to hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia
The androgen receptor gene (AR gene) is located on the X chromosome, which is a factor in causing male- and female-pattern baldness. Variations in this gene affect how the body responds to androgens, including testosterone and DHT. Men and women who inherit certain variations are at a higher risk for hair loss.
Alopecia Areata
The genes associated with alopecia areata include:
Hereditary vs. Genetic: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between hereditary and genetic characteristics can help clarify how alopecia may manifest in individuals. While some people may have a family history of hair loss (hereditary), others may experience alopecia due to noninheritable genetic factors, as follows:
While a test may show if you’re genetically predisposed to alopecia, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll experience it. Some people with a genetic risk never lose their hair, while others with no family history do. However, there may be testing that could be valuable for understanding your risk and planning for potential treatments.
Other Risk Factors for AlopeciaIn addition to genetic predisposition, several other factors can increase the risk of developing alopecia:Fluctuations in hormones, such as in pregnancy or menopauseHairstyles that pull tightly on the hair, stressing hair folliclesHigh stress levels triggering conditions like telogen effluvium (hair shedding)Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)Scalp infections or psoriasisSide effects of some drugs, particularly those for cancerThyroid diseaseUntreated syphilis infection
Other Risk Factors for Alopecia
In addition to genetic predisposition, several other factors can increase the risk of developing alopecia:Fluctuations in hormones, such as in pregnancy or menopauseHairstyles that pull tightly on the hair, stressing hair folliclesHigh stress levels triggering conditions like telogen effluvium (hair shedding)Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)Scalp infections or psoriasisSide effects of some drugs, particularly those for cancerThyroid diseaseUntreated syphilis infection
In addition to genetic predisposition, several other factors can increase the risk of developing alopecia:
Alopecia Permanece and Treatability
Not all alopecia is permanent. Some types are treatable and, in some cases, even reversible. Permanence and treatment options for different types of alopecia are:
Summary
Genetic factors play a significant role in certain types of alopecia, especially androgenic alopecia seen in men and women. For those with a genetic predisposition, understanding the types of alopecia, associated genes, and available treatments can help in planning for and managing hair loss.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Primary Care Dermatology Society.Alopecia - an overview.Medline Plus.Alopecia areata.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; Updated 2023.Famenini S, Slaught C, Duan L, Goh C.Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;73(4):705-706. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063MedlinePlus.Female pattern baldness.Rinaldi F, Trink A, Mondadori G, Giuliani G, Pinto D.The menopausal transition: is the hair follicle “going through menopause”?Biomedicines. 2023;11(11):3041. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11113041MedlinePlus.AR gene.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.MedlinePlus.Alopecia areata.MedlinePlus.Genetics.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Primary Care Dermatology Society.Alopecia - an overview.Medline Plus.Alopecia areata.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; Updated 2023.Famenini S, Slaught C, Duan L, Goh C.Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;73(4):705-706. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063MedlinePlus.Female pattern baldness.Rinaldi F, Trink A, Mondadori G, Giuliani G, Pinto D.The menopausal transition: is the hair follicle “going through menopause”?Biomedicines. 2023;11(11):3041. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11113041MedlinePlus.AR gene.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.MedlinePlus.Alopecia areata.MedlinePlus.Genetics.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Primary Care Dermatology Society.Alopecia - an overview.Medline Plus.Alopecia areata.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; Updated 2023.Famenini S, Slaught C, Duan L, Goh C.Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;73(4):705-706. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063MedlinePlus.Female pattern baldness.Rinaldi F, Trink A, Mondadori G, Giuliani G, Pinto D.The menopausal transition: is the hair follicle “going through menopause”?Biomedicines. 2023;11(11):3041. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11113041MedlinePlus.AR gene.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.MedlinePlus.Alopecia areata.MedlinePlus.Genetics.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
Primary Care Dermatology Society.Alopecia - an overview.
Medline Plus.Alopecia areata.
Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; Updated 2023.
Famenini S, Slaught C, Duan L, Goh C.Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;73(4):705-706. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063
MedlinePlus.Female pattern baldness.
Rinaldi F, Trink A, Mondadori G, Giuliani G, Pinto D.The menopausal transition: is the hair follicle “going through menopause”?Biomedicines. 2023;11(11):3041. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11113041
MedlinePlus.AR gene.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.
MedlinePlus.Alopecia areata.
MedlinePlus.Genetics.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
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