Pioneering Genetic Test for Hair Loss in Women

Pioneering genetic test for hair loss in women – Genetic makers associated with hair loss identified

HairDX, LLC have recently introduced a revolutionary test using genetic markers that are associated with female androgenetic alopecia. This test is not only easy to comprehend but also provides accurate genetic analysis of a woman's likelihood of developing the most commonly prevalent hair loss.

This test provides the women with a score, called the CAG repeat score. The smaller the score, the higher the risk for significant hair loss (Ludwig grade II or III) and the larger the repeat scores, the lower the risk for hair loss. In order to be tested, a woman has to swab her mouth (inside of the cheek) for several seconds which is then tested. While delivering results, complete confidentiality and anonymity is maintained via a secure and private website.

Costing $149, the customer can order the test kit over the internet which is then shipped to your home. However, it is also available from Nioxin Research Laboratories, Inc., the leaders in professional skincare. It will soon also be available from all offices of Bosley, the world's largest hair restoration company. In addition, qualified doctors, professional salons, and beauty stores around the world will also have the test kits on sale.

Generally, female androgenetic alopecia is difficult to diagnose because unlike men, women do not develop a pattern but tend to thin diffusely and have ample causes for thinning. According to JAAPA, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, it is cautiously estimated that by the age of 50, at least 50% of women are likely to experience diffuse thinning with an emphasis on the top of the scalp.

Dr. Sharon Keene, Chief Medical Officer for HairDX and former Chairman of the Annual Scientific Committee of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons opines that helping women to assess the risk for hair loss in time enables them to learn about potential treatment options and prevention of further hair loss. As this is a treatable medical condition, there is no reason for embarrassment. As most hair loss therapies are geared towards stabilizing hair fall, it becomes very important that AGA be identified in time before substantial hair is lost. Correct information can bring comfort and the empowerment to deal with the problem.

Androgenetic alopecia in both males and females tends to follow a polygenetic inheritance pattern as many genes are involved in the hair loss process.

Dr. Elon Pras, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics, Sheba Medical Center in Tel-Hashomer, Israel and Associate Professor at the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University feels that since the scientists have identified markers associated with hair loss, the HairDX test has started the use of these markers to provide people with an insight into potential hair loss.

Furthermore, scientists have discovered that the percentage of the female population with a CAG repeat length of 15 or less, not suffering from a Ludwig grade II or III hair loss was only 2.3%, according to Dr. Nathan Vandergraft, a Statistician and Research Scientist at the University of California, Irvine.

The test is truly pioneering as the cause of female hair loss is often elusive and at times misdiagnosed as said by HairDX CEO Andy Goren. He also goes on to say that while the cause of androgenetic areata in females may not be completely understood, a new test using genetic markers has been developed and that this information would benefit the patient and her physician when considering effective treatment.

In the first half of this year, HairDX introduced a test for male pattern baldness that reports about a genetic variant found in more than 95% of bald men. This genetic variant puts 60% of men at risk for androgenetic alopecia by the age of 40. Moreover, HairDX reports that a less common genetic variant of the same gene, if found present, will indicate an 85% chance of being free from androgenetic alopecia before the age of 40.