Gene test for hair loss
A new DNA test is giving those who want it, the power to see what their future holds.
September 2009
The average person loses about 100 hairs from their head everyday, but what if you could find out if you were going to go bald before visible hair loss started?
A new DNA test is giving those who want it, the power to see what their future holds.
People hand over a saliva swab, and then it's taken back to the lab where the DNA is analyzed. Researchers look for a genetic variation on the x-chromosome that's linked to hair loss.
"There's something psychological about having your hair," said Tom Mastanduono who has hair loss. "It's not totally getting old."
Mastanduono's test results showed that he is at low-risk for hair loss, meaning he has an 80% chance of holding onto hair by age 60. High-risk means there's a 60% chance of severe hair loss by 40.
Mastanduono's 15-year-old son took the test next and learned he is at high-risk.
"I can see here that I'm high risk," said Eric Mastanduono. "It's a bit shocking to find out at such a young age."
100 million Americans have hair loss - about 60 million are men and 40 million are women. Doctors say the gene test puts the power of prevention in the patient's hands.
"This just gives another piece of information and then you decide with your doctor what you want to do," said Dr. Alan Bauman.
Bauman said the test, which is available for men and women, costs less than $200 and should be done through a board-certified hair restoration specialist. The results take 2-4 weeks.
For more information, please contact:
Bauman Medical Group
(561) 394-0024
Related Links
Scientists identify gene that may explain hair loss
Next-Generation Hair Loss Treatment Genetic Testing
Aderans and HairDX Introduce Genetic Hair Loss Test To Japan
A new DNA test is giving those who want it, the power to see what their future holds.
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