The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test is a screening test that will help your doctor determine if Finasteride will be an effective drug to treat your hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). As an additional benefit, the test will help your doctor assess if you are at an increased risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate). This is important since Finasteride is often used to reduce the size of the prostate.

The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test will not tell you if you are at an increased risk for developing Prostate Cancer. The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test determines if you carry an androgen receptor gene variant that has been associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common condition in middle-aged men and often causes lower urinary tract symptoms such as decreased urinary flow, incomplete voiding, increased urgency and frequency, and nocturia.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the age-related overgrowth of specific prostate tissues, which often progresses to enlargement of the prostate. The enlarged prostate can constrict the urethra, causing various lower urinary tract symptoms.

The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test examines a small genetic sequence in your androgen receptor gene. The result of the genetic analysis, called a CAG repeat score, will be provided to your doctor.

Using the information provided by HairDX, your doctor will be able to tell you if you are likely to have great or slight chance to respond to Finasteride to treat your hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). In addition, the results provided by HairDX, your doctor will be able to assess if you are at an increased risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test is available through qualified doctors. Your genetic sample is collected using a cheek swab, and the sample is sent for analysis to the HairDX laboratory. Once the genetic analysis is complete, your test results will be reported to your doctor.

The HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test is most appropriate for men who developed androgenetic alopecia in the past 10 years and have not completely lost their hair i.e., Hamilton-Norwood II, III, IV, or V.

If a medication will not work for you, why take it?

Scientific studies have shown that finasteride has a better therapeutic effect on individuals with a shorter CAG repeat number than on individuals with a longer CAG repeat number.

Knowing your CAG repeat number will help your doctor determine if you would benefit from taking finasteride for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Because hair grows in cycles, it can take three to six months before the effects of medication can be seen. Knowing if you are likely to greatly benefit from the use of finasteride may help you weigh the benefits of continued treatment.

Learn about your risk for developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)

Scientific studies have shown that men with a shorter CAG repeat number have an increased risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is important since, Finasteride is often used to reduce the size of the prostate in lieu of surgical procedures.

There are no known risks associated with using the HairDX Genetic Test. Testing is performed at a CLIA-certified laboratory with excellent quality assurance. Patients can be assured that the test results are strictly confidential, delivered to their physician.

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