On average, your hair grows about half an inch (1
centimeter) each month. Hairs grow from hair follicles,
which are located beneath the skin.
A single scalp hair grows continuously for 2 to
4 years (growth phase) and then stops growing for
2 to 4 months (rest phase). After that time the
hair falls out. In its place a new healthy hair
begins to grow, and the cycle is repeated. The hairs
on your scalp are always in different stages of
this cycle so it is normal to lose scalp hair every
day.
How common is male pattern
hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss affects approximately
50% of men at some point in their lives. It affects
different populations at different rates, probably
because of genetics. Up to half of male Caucasians
will experience some degree of hair loss by age
50, while other population groups such as Japanese
and Chinese men are far less affected.
What causes male pattern
hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss is an inherited condition,
caused by a genetically determined sensitivity
to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
DHT is believed to shorten the growth, or anagen,
phase of the hair cycle, causing miniaturization
of the follicles, and producing progressively
finer hairs. The production of DHT is regulated
by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.
What role does heredity/genetics
play in the male pattern hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss occurs in men who are
genetically predisposed to be more sensitive to
the effects of DHT. Researchers now believe that
the condition can be inherited from either side
of the family.
How is the severity
of MPHL classified?
The severity of hair loss can be classified
in several ways. Hair loss in many men, however,
follows a predictable pattern, which was documented
by Dr. James Hamilton and later updated by Dr.
O'tar Norwood. The most common types of hair loss
in this progression are briefly described and
illustrated here.
Isn't hair loss just
a cosmetic issue?
Male pattern hair loss can have a serious psychological
impact. Studies have shown that hair loss can
be associated with low self esteem, depression,
introversion, and feelings of unattractiveness.
This is reinforced by attitudes in Western society,
which place great value on youthful appearance
and attractiveness. Some studies have shown that
based on appearance alone, men with hair loss
are seen as less attractive, less assertive, less
likeable, and less successful than men without
hair loss.
What treatments are
available for male pattern hair loss?
Current treatment options include:
> Hair transplantation
(moving hair from donor sites on the scalp to
the thinning areas)
> Other surgical
procedures (e.g. scalp reduction, flap surgery)
> Cosmetics
> Hair replacement
> Minoxidil solution
> Finasteride
tablets (type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor).
