Glossary of
Hair Loss Related Terms
Alpha Reductase
5 Alpha Reductase is the enzyme which converts testosterone to
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) the hormone that triggers Androgenetic
Alopecia in individuals who are genetically susceptible. Type 1 5-Alpha
Reductase is found primarily in the skin and Type 2 5-Alpha Reductase is found
primarily in the prostate and inner sheath of the hair follicle.
Acne
Acne is an inflammatory disease which affects the sebaceous glands of the skin.
Alopecia
Complete or partial lack of hair resulting from various conditions.
Alopecia Adnata
Congenital baldness or baldness at birth.
Alopecia Androgenetic
This is the common name for male or female pattern baldness which depends on the
genetic predisposition of the hair follicles and the levels of DHT in the body.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is the medical term for hairloss which occurs in patches on the
scalp.
Alopecia Follicularis
Hair loss due to inflammation of hair follicles.
Alopecia Neurotica
Baldness following a nervous disorder or injury to the
nervous system.
Alopecia Senilis
Alopecia senilis is baldness due to old age.
Alopecia Totalis
This is the complete loss of scalp hair often combined with the
loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is the term for hairloss which occurs over the entire body.
Amortization
The process of converting one enzyme to another.
Anagen
This is the growing phase of the hair cycle which lasts about seven years in a
healthy person.
Androgens
Androgens are often referred to as male hormones.
Antiandrogen
An antiandrogen blocks the effects of androgens, normally by blocking the
receptor sites.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid like Retin-A is more commonly used in the treatment of acne and
other skin conditions.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate gland. The
prostate gland swells, which reduces the urine flow and prevents the bladder from
emptying.
Castration
The surgical removal of one or both testicles or overies.
Catagen
This is the end of the active growth period, and is marked by
changes occurring in the follicle.
Cicatricial Alopecia
This is baldness due to scarring. The follicles are absent in
scar tissue.
Clone
A group of genetically identical cells or organisms derived form a single common
cell.
Cortex
The cortex is the main structure of the hairshaft. The cortex determines the
colour and texture of the hair.
Crown
Area at the top of the head.
Cyproterone Acetate
This drug is normally used to reduce sex drive in men who have an excessive sex
drive. It is also prescribed to treat hirsuitism and androgenetic alopecia in
women.
Dermal papilla
The dermal papilla is situated at the base of the hair follicle. The dermal
papilla contains nerves and blood vessels which supply glucose for energy and
amino acids to make keratin.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
DHT is a male hormone that is suggested to be the main cause for the
miniaturisation of the hair follicle and for hair loss. DHT is formed when the
male hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Donor Site
Site where hair roots are taken from during transplant surgery.
Dutasteride
A medication under development by Glaxo-Welcome for the treatment of BPH, which
is a dual inhibitor of the 5-Alpa Reductase enzymes responsible for
converting tostosterone to DHT.
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