Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is one of the most common forms of hair loss. It is a genetic condition influenced by androgen hormones, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes progressive thinning of the hair. While it is a condition that can affect both sexes, men tend to experience a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while women experience diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp.
A DNA test for hair loss is useful for several reasons:
- Prevention and Personalized Treatment: Knowing your genetic predisposition allows you to take preventative measures, such as using specific treatments to slow the progression of baldness.
- Hair Care Planning: The test results can help you choose targeted products and treatments, including medications such as minoxidil or finasteride, which can be more effective if used early.
- Personal Knowledge: Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to hair loss can help you better manage expectations and make informed decisions about possible interventions, such as hair transplants.
How the test works
The DNA Test for Alopecia is a simple and convenient test that only requires oral samples to be collected. These samples will be collected using the collection kit that we will send you once you have ordered the test.
The kit includes the following:
- Buccal swabs
- Instructions for collecting and sending samples
- Pre-addressed envelope for shipping samples
To obtain accurate results, we recommend to let the samples dry before placing them in the envelope. This will prevent cross-contamination during shipping.
Results can be received within 10-15 working days from the time our laboratory confirms receipt of the samples.
For an example of sample report please click below:
The Science Behind the Test and How to Interpret the Results
The test takes into account the following genes, known to influence hair loss:
– Androgen Receptor (AR): Unfavorable variants in this gene can increase the sensitivity of the scalp to DHT, the hormone responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles.
– Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor (EDA2R): Unfavorable variants in this gene can impair the formation and maintenance of hair follicles.
– Antioxidant Capacity (SOD2): Unfavorable variants in this gene can reduce the ability to protect follicles from oxidative stress, contributing to hair loss
– Chromosome 20p11.22 Locus: Variants in this region are strongly associated with early and more severe baldness, especially in men.
What does unfavorable or favorable variants mean?
Unfavorable genetic variants are mutations or changes in genes that increase the likelihood of developing hair loss. These variants affect how hair follicles respond to hormones (such as DHT), oxidative stress, inflammation, and other factors that can lead to hair loss.
Favorable genetic variants are those that reduce the risk of developing hair loss or that confer greater resistance to hair loss. These variants can positively influence the response of hair follicles to hormones, improve the ability to repair oxidative damage, or maintain scalp health.
Having both unfavorable and favorable variants means that your risk of developing alopecia is not determined by a single gene, but by the balance between genetic risk factors and protective factors. The combination of variants can influence the severity, age of onset, and progression of hair loss.
If the unfavorable variants prevail, the risk of alopecia will be higher, and more aggressive prevention and treatment strategies may be necessary.
Other DNA Health Tests Offered by AffinityDNA
In addition to the Alopecia DNA Test, we also offer a variety of DNA Genetic Health and Fitness Tests. Click on each of the links below to learn more:
- Coeliac Disease DNA Test
- Lactose Intolerance DNA Test
- Skin Care DNA Test
- Intolerance Sensitivity Test
If you have any questions about our genetic health tests, please feel free to contact our customer support team.