Genetics playing a role in Baldness Pattern

Genetics on Pattern Baldness

Pattern baldness is a common form of hair loss that affects both men and women. It often appears as a receding hairline in men or diffuse thinning in women. Around half of men experience some degree of hair loss by age 50, while women typically experience it later in life. The androgen receptor (AR) gene, located on the X chromosome, influences how the body responds to androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, they gradually shrink in a process called follicular miniaturization, leading to thinner, shorter hairs and eventually reduced hair growth.

Baldness is not controlled by a single gene; it is considered a polygenic trait, meaning multiple genes across different chromosomes contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing it. These genes can influence everything from hormone activity to the health of hair follicles. While the AR gene helps explain why baldness is often associated with the maternal side of the family, it is only part of the story. Many other genes inherited from both parents also play a role, making the inheritance pattern much more complex than a simple dominant or recessive trait. Overall, family history can increase the risk of baldness, but it cannot precisely predict when or how it will occur.

Source :How Is Baldness Passed Down? The Genetics Explained - Biology Insights

Another Source: Can genetic testing really predict male pattern baldness and how accurate is it?