HairDX Genetic Test

The HairDX genetic test is a revolutionary genetic test for female hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Women who have a low test score are at a high risk of significant hair loss. In contrast, women who have a high test score are at a low risk of significant hair loss. The objective of the HairDX genetic test screening, is to identify Female Pattern Hair Loss prior to the onset of symptoms, allowing diagnosis in an earlier or preclinical stage, so that treatment can be initiated at a time when intervention has a greater likelihood of success.

The HairDX genetic test for Female Pattern Hair Loss provides women with a score, called the CAG repeat score. A smaller CAG test score is associated with a higher risk for significant hair loss (Ludwig grade II or III hair loss) while a larger test score is associated with a lower risk for hair loss.

Women who have a smaller CAG test score should be advised that they are at a higher risk for significant hair loss (Ludwig grade II or III hair loss). According to scientists, the percentage of the female population with a CAG test score of 15 or less, NOT suffering from a Ludwig grade II or III hair loss was only a 2.3%.

These women may wish to consult with a physician specializing in hair restoration, who can develop a plan to monitor and treat early hair loss. For example, such women may be good candidates for minoxidil, especially if treatment is started early.

In contrast, women who have a larger CAG test score can be reassured that they are at low risk for significant hair loss. This avoids unnecessary concern or expense over premature hair loss.

Recent advances in human genetics empower researchers to discover the genetics of many common disorders. As genetic science is evolving in a rapid pace new discoveries are made almost daily.

HairDX is committed to providing the latest in genetic discoveries to individuals. The cause of female hair loss is often elusive and at times misdiagnosed. While common hair loss in males and females (Androgenetic Alopecia) appears to follow a polygenetic inheritance pattern (many genes are involved in the cause of hair loss), our scientists have identified strong markers associated with hair loss.

So, while the cause may not be completely understood, we have devised a meaningful test using genetic markers strongly associated with Female Androgenetic Alopecia.

A study conducted Dr. Marty Sawaya at the University of Florida in 1998 (1), discovered that certain variants of the Androgen Receptor gene in females are associated with a higher risk for developing Ludwig grade II or III Female Pattern Hair Loss. Interestingly, a study by Brum et al (2) discovered that females with the same genetic variances discovered by Dr. Sawaya are likely to have have elevated plasma testosterone. Another study by Westberg et al (3), confirmed that the variants discovered by Dr. Sawaya in connection with Female Pattern Hair Loss, were also associated with serum androgen levels in females.

The markers that HairDX uses to report on the risk for Female Androgenetic Alopecia are variances in the first exon of the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene. A CAG repeat in the first exon of the AR gene varies in length between individuals.

A shorter CAG repeat is associated with a higher risk for Female Androgenetic Alopecia while a longer repeat is associated with a lower risk for Female Androgenetic Alopecia.

According to the Sawaya, et al. study, 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 a 2.3%. Figure 1 shows the distribution for the Androgenetic Alopecia group in black and the Normal group in red. The red shaded region represents those women with CAG of 15 or less who DO NOT have Androgenetic Alopecia.

Similarly, among women with Androgenetic Alopecia only 2.3% had a CAG repeat length above 23. Figure 2 shows the distribution of women suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia in red and normal women in black. The red shaded region represents women who have Androgenetic Alopecia and a CAG repeat above 23.

The HairDX test for Female Androgenetic Alopecia provides women with their average CAG repeat score and allows them to compare their results to the current scientific literature.

Female Pattern Hair Loss is an emotionally devastating condition. Unfortunately, 50% of women will experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 60. The most common form of hair loss in women (Androgenetic Alopecia also known as Female Pattern Hair Loss) occurs in women that are genetically predisposed. Like any medical condition, early detection is the best practice for prevention. Prior to the introduction of the HairDX genetic test, the medical diagnosis and prediction of Female Pattern Hair Loss remained a difficult challenge that was met with limited success.

Unlike Male Pattern Hair Loss, "pattern distribution" is not typical for most women with Androgenetic Alopecia. In most cases, for women thinning occurs diffusely without a pattern. Often the frontal hair line is intact, but behind this the scalp becomes visible in the midline. Progressive thinning over time may extend back to the crown area, and often impacts areas on the sides and back of the head, leaving the scalp covered with diffusely thinning hair, but usually no bare areas. Figure illustrates hair loss in women due to Female Pattern Hair Loss. Because of this lack of a defined pattern one cannot distinguish Female Pattern Hair Loss from other causes of hair loss just by looking at it. It is important to exclude other causes of hair thinning which can mimic Androgenetic Alopecia in women. Most women will come to their diagnosis after excluding medically treatable causes such as anemia, thyroid disease, fatty acid deficiency, medication side effects, heavy metal exposure (lead, arsenic, mercury) just to name a few. There are also dermatologic conditions that can look like Androgenetic Alopecia, but require different treatment approaches, so an accurate diagnosis is important. Proper early prediction and diagnosis of female hair loss is key to saving your hair.