Is Baldness Inherited from the Mother?

Baldness is a condition that affects men, more than women. This does not mean that women are not prone to developing baldness. However, the pattern with which it affects men is different from the pattern that affects women. For both, it starts with gradual hair loss. The typical pattern for male hair loss begins with a receding hairline, that spreads to the crown, while the hair on the sides and the back remains strong and healthy. Female hair loss is gradual too, however, it does not begin with a receding hairline, but gradual thinning of the hair. As this pattern continues, bald patches may begin to appear in different parts of the scalp such as the crown, and spread further. However, a completely bald women (unless by choice) is rarely ever seen. What is the cause of this hair loss? A lot of studies have indicated that it is hereditary, and that if your father is bald, you are likely to have this condition too. On the other hand, other studies indicate a maternal link to baldness. Is this true? Let's find out.

Is Baldness Hereditary?

Recently, a lot of studies have been attempting to find out the hereditary link to baldness. The results of these studies have varied results. But now, most evidence points in the direction of male pattern baldness, and even female hair loss being a result of genes that have been passed on by parents to their offspring. The details of these findings have been presented here.

• Until recently, it was believed that baldness was inherited from the mother. This is because baldness has been linked with the presence of androgen receptors in the scalp. These receptors are found in the X chromosome that is inherited from mothers. As such, it was believed that if the maternal grandfather had signs of baldness, it was likely that the grandson or granddaughter would also suffer from baldness.
• Though there are minimal studies on the subject, it has been discovered that solely genes from the mother's side cannot be held responsible for the onset of pattern baldness, as only this gene is not enough to cause it. It is a mix of genes from both parents. Furthermore, the age at which this pattern sets in, the rate at which it progresses, and the pattern of baldness are all determined by heredity. Even if the father shows minimal signs of hair loss, and tests positive for the androgen receptor gene or what is called the baldness gene, it is likely that his offspring will have an 80% chance of developing pattern baldness. On the other hand, a father who tests negative for this receptor, will not pass on any type of hereditary baldness to his offspring.
• When it comes to women, even if they are genetically prone to baldness, the pattern varies. Moreover, they may be prone to hereditary hair loss causing thinning of the hair, as baldness in women is not very common. As has been noticed, men are more prone to developing pattern baldness than women.
• Experts and researchers believe that simply pinning down the androgen receptor as a cause for baldness is not evidence enough of its actual effect. Studies have shown that the genes that cause baldness are neither attached to the X chromosome, nor to the Y chromosome. So any one parent cannot be held responsible for this pattern. Furthermore, conditions such as hair loss and subsequent baldness are caused due to dominant genes, and not recessive, as has been believed all this while. Therefore, while the hereditary nature of baldness is assured, how exactly it causes baldness and the gene responsible for it are yet to be discovered.

As you can see, a mother cannot only be held responsible for passing on the baldness gene. The receding hairline you are noticing is probably because your father suffers from baldness too. As further studies are conducted to answer this question, you will be able to pinpoint the actual cause of your condition.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.