Is Hair Loss Hereditary? Yes and No.

02 Jun Is Hair Loss Hereditary? Yes and No.

Hair loss affects millions — but what’s really to blame? Your shampoo? Your stress levels? Your lifestyle? Or is it written in your DNA?

Is hair loss hereditary? Genetics play a significant role in determining how our bodies function, the physical traits we possess, and the traits we lack. However, your lifestyle and daily choices interact with your genetics. In other words, your genetics is not your destiny; it is a two-way interaction between your DNA and lifestyle. This means that many health concerns can be reversed, prevented and/or improved by assessing the risk factors in your genes and making the right changes.

A DNA test can help bring clarity.

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Understanding Hair Loss

Understanding hair loss and why it happens can be confusing. However, there are some basic concepts to keep in mind.

Hair goes through three cycles of hair growth:

• The anagen phase: The growing phase, which can last two to eight years and accounts for roughly 85%-90% of the hair on your head.
• The catagen phase: The transition phase, where hair follicles shrink and last for two to three weeks.
• The telogen phase: This is the resting stage of the hair cycle. It lasts for two to four months, after which the hair naturally falls out to make way for new growth.

Some common causes of hair loss include:

• Damaged hair follicles
• Changes in eating habits which cause rapid weight loss
• Severe stress
• Chemical hair treatments, such as bleaching
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Underlying health conditions such as an abnormal thyroid, anaemia, or a vitamin deficiency
• Certain medications or supplements
• Hereditary hair loss
• Hormonal changes
• Fungal infections on the scalp

Myths about hair loss:

• Wearing hats causes baldness
• Only men suffer from hair loss
• Hair loss can be stopped completely

This information provides a basic backdrop for understanding hair loss. Let’s dig a little deeper into the science of DNA and its link to hair loss.

Is Hair Loss Hereditary? Breaking Down the Science

Hereditary hair loss is referred to as androgenetic alopecia, also known as male and female pattern baldness. In men, this is expressed as a receding hairline or bald patches on the crown of the head. In women, it is often characterised by a thinning of hair all over the scalp. This condition cannot be reversed, but it is possible to slow its progression slightly with medication and lifestyle changes.

In men, this type of hair loss has been associated with several medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and issues with insulin resistance, such as diabetes and obesity. In women, this type of hair loss often occurs after menopause or as a result of hormonal imbalances such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Previously, it was thought that baldness was inherited from the mother. However, studies are showing that the androgen receptor (AR) gene is inherited from both parents.

Why a DNA Test Might Be the Missing Link

Our DNA tests can tell you about your digestion, metabolism, stress, immunity, nutrients, stimulants, exercise, and sleep. Additionally, our hormone reports provide information on your oestrogen precursors, oestrogen production, neutralising free radicals, bone density, heart health, cholesterol, and more.

Each of these factors can have a significant impact on hair loss and hair growth. Here are some examples:

Stress:

• Telogen Effluvium is hair loss brought on by severe stress.
• Our reports inform you about your COMT, FKBP5, and ACE genes
• Each gene variant is responsible for stress and pain resilience, cortisol regulation, and blood pressure and electrolyte balance, respectively.

Nutrients:

• Deficiencies in riboflavin, biotin, folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12 have been associated with hair loss.
• Our report details your genotype for BCMO1, MTHFR, FUT2, GC, VDR, FTO, TCF7L2, NOS3.
• These genes are responsible for how your body creates and absorbs vitamin A, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin D, protein and fat consumption, carbohydrates, and Omega-3, respectively.

Digestion:

• Poor gut health influences your overall wellness in more ways than you might think.
• Naturally, gut health determines how well the above nutrients are absorbed.
• Additionally, poor gut health can cause inflammation.
• Specifically, our reports include insights about gastrointestinal infections, your gluten intolerance, and lactose intolerance.

How to Act on Your Genetic Results

These insights, along with our Nutrition and Lifestyle Guide, can help you take preventive measures to improve your overall health. These solutions, recommendations, and supplement advice are tailored to your unique genetic code, enabling empowerment through early detection.

We value actionable, sustainable changes. That’s why our reports are easy to understand and backed by science.

Take Control of Your Hair Loss

Thanks to science and your DNA, you can get tried and true methods to better your health and reduce hair loss. Our nutrigenomic experts and state-of-the-art lab in Europe carefully curate your results to include only the most up-to-date science on how your genes work.

Discover how well your body digests nutrients, which nutrients you may need supplementation for, how well you handle stress, your body’s ability to balance hormones, and much more.

With a simple inner cheek swab, you are on your way to a happier life and healthier hair.

Take a look at our products here.

And be sure to read about Epigenetics fundamentals. The myths and facts you should know.

Note: Our report does not diagnose androgenetic alopecia. If you experience patchiness, a receding hairline, bald spots, or hair fall in clumps, please see a physician or dermatologist. However, the results from our test can aid in diagnosis or treatment planning.

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