Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

Common Symptoms

• Gradual thinning of hair, typically at the crown and hairline in men and more diffusely in women
• A widening part line or reduced hair volume
• Miniaturized (finer, shorter) hairs in affected areas over time

Why It Happens

Androgenetic alopecia is driven by genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens (male hormones present in both men and women), which gradually shrinks (miniaturizes) affected follicles over successive hair growth cycles.

Why It Can Become Persistent

Because this is a genetically driven, hormone-sensitive process, affected follicles continue to miniaturize over time without treatment directed at slowing that process — it isn't something that reverses on its own.

Who Commonly Gets It

Androgenetic alopecia is extremely common, affecting a large proportion of men by later adulthood and a meaningful proportion of women as well, particularly after menopause.

How It Is Usually Diagnosed

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on the characteristic pattern of hair thinning, sometimes supported by a dermatologist's closer examination of the scalp and hair follicles.

Traditional Treatment Options

• Topical minoxidil: An over-the-counter treatment applied directly to the scalp.
• Oral finasteride (men): A prescription medication that reduces the hormone driving follicle miniaturization.
• Low-level laser therapy: Devices marketed to stimulate hair growth, with a modest evidence base.
• Hair transplantation: A surgical option for more advanced hair loss.

Why Someone Might Start Looking for Another Option

People looking for non-medication options, or additional approaches to use alongside standard treatments, sometimes ask about newer or adjunct hair-loss treatments.

Where Shockwave Therapy May Fit

A single prospective study of 20 women with pattern hair loss found modest but statistically significant increases in total hair count, hair thickness, and patient-perceived improvement after a series of shockwave sessions, with no control group. That is the extent of the credible published evidence we could independently verify — we want to be direct that this is one small, uncontrolled study, and its own authors call for randomized trials to confirm the finding before it can be considered established.

How Shockwave Treatment Works for This Area

Given how limited the evidence is, shockwave therapy would be discussed as an exploratory option rather than a primary recommendation — standard, better-evidenced treatments would typically be discussed first.

What the Treatment Feels Like

Patients typically describe a tapping or pressure sensation across the scalp; your provider will discuss what to expect based on your evaluation.

What Happens During Your First Visit

Your visit begins with a provider evaluation focused on your history and a physical exam relevant to your complaint. If shockwave therapy is determined to be clinically appropriate, your first treatment can typically be provided the same visit. See our What to Expect page for the full walkthrough.

Who May Not Be Appropriate

• Anyone looking for a proven, well-established hair-loss treatment — this doesn't yet meet that bar
• Hair loss from causes other than androgenetic alopecia (such as autoimmune or scarring alopecia), which need their own diagnosis and treatment
• Active scalp infection or open wounds at the treatment site
• Certain circulatory, neurological, or bleeding-related conditions, per your provider's screening

This list is not exhaustive. Your provider will screen for contraindications during your evaluation.