Follikelminiaturisering

Follikelminiaturisering refers to the process where hair follicles gradually shrink over time, leading to the production of progressively finer, shorter, and less pigmented hairs. This phenomenon is a hallmark of androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. The underlying cause is believed to be a genetic sensitivity to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to androgen receptors in susceptible hair follicles, initiating a cascade of molecular events that disrupt the hair growth cycle.

During each subsequent hair growth cycle, the affected follicles spend a longer period in the resting phase (telogen) and a shorter period in the active growth phase (anagen). This shortened anagen phase results in hairs that are weaker and have a reduced lifespan. Over successive cycles, the follicles become so miniaturized that they eventually cease to produce visible terminal hairs, instead yielding only fine vellus hairs, which are often described as "peach fuzz." This progressive shrinkage and eventual loss of terminal hair is what leads to the characteristic thinning and balding patterns seen in androgenetic alopecia. The rate and pattern of miniaturization can vary significantly between individuals.