AGE-RELATED HAIR LOSS 

Other names: Senescent alopecia

What is age related thinning? 

• Age-related thinning refers to hair thinning that affects both men and women in their later decades, usually starting around age 50.
• The cause of age related thinning is not known.
• The condition is sometimes referred to as senescent alopecia

What are the signs and symptoms of age-related thinning?

• Patients with age-related thinning typically notice significant changes in their hair around age 60 (some sooner and some later).
• The thinning occurs all over the scalp and may be most marked over the top.
• The affected individual may have developed genetic hair loss in his or her 20s, 30s or 40s. However, age related thinning is a different process.

 How rapidly do patients lose hair?

• Hair loss in age-related thinning is a slow process

 Are blood tests needed for age related thinning?

• There are no specific blood tests for this condition. 
• As part of general evaluation for hair loss, a physician may order a variety of tests such as iron studies, thyroid studies, and vitamin D. 

 Is a biopsy needed for age-related thinning?

• A biopsy is not usually necessary.
• If a biopsy was performed, the findings would appear very similar to genetic hair loss. The two conditions can not be easily distinguished under the microscope.

 What treatments are available for age-related thinning?

• The main treatment for  age-related thinning is topical minoxidil lotion or Rogaine foam. Other treatments have not been shown to have consistent benefit in age-related thinning but are currently being investigated (including low level laser and platelet rich plasma).