MALE HAIR LOSS
Types of male hair loss:
Androgenetic alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)A characteristic pattern of hair loss; it begins with a slight recession at the front hairline and is followed by thinning on the crown of the head. The hair above the ears and at the nape of the neck is unaffected. This hair loss results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be oversensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.
If you are suffering from patchy hair loss you may be suffering from another form of alopecia:
Alopecia Areata
An extremely common condition and will affect 1% to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. Most sufferers are children and young adults (below 40 years old), though it can affect people of all ages. The hair loss is sudden and manifests itself in small, smooth-skinned patches that are likely to gradually widen with time. It can also affect the sufferer’s nails, giving them a pitted, ridged or brittle appearance. The exact cause is still unknown, although current theories could be auto immune related, stress or possibly a genetic problem.
Alopecia totalis
When the hair loss progresses until all the scalp hair is lost
Alopecia universalisWhen all the body hair is lost as well.
Diffuse AlopeciaSustained thinning of hair throughout the entire scalp, narrowing hair shafts and lack of hair growth are distinct signs of such a condition. Persistent hormone problems and iron deficiency can often cause this problem.
Anagen EffluviumThis is a dramatic and immediate release of hair from the active growing stage of the hair growth cycle. This condition is caused by toxic abuse of the hair follicles, chemotherapy is a common example. Once the cause is removed, hair will re-grow.
Other causes of Male Hair Loss.
There can be many reasons for hair loss other than the above. A percentage of men may be anaemic or iron deficient, often those who are vegetarian, blood donors or have had surgery. This type of hair loss is far easier to treat, and much better results can be achieved.
It is important to establish the cause of hair loss before embarking on any form of treatment or surgery.
Androgenetic alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)A characteristic pattern of hair loss; it begins with a slight recession at the front hairline and is followed by thinning on the crown of the head. The hair above the ears and at the nape of the neck is unaffected. This hair loss results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be oversensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.
If you are suffering from patchy hair loss you may be suffering from another form of alopecia:
Alopecia Areata
An extremely common condition and will affect 1% to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. Most sufferers are children and young adults (below 40 years old), though it can affect people of all ages. The hair loss is sudden and manifests itself in small, smooth-skinned patches that are likely to gradually widen with time. It can also affect the sufferer’s nails, giving them a pitted, ridged or brittle appearance. The exact cause is still unknown, although current theories could be auto immune related, stress or possibly a genetic problem.
Alopecia totalis
When the hair loss progresses until all the scalp hair is lost
Alopecia universalisWhen all the body hair is lost as well.
Diffuse AlopeciaSustained thinning of hair throughout the entire scalp, narrowing hair shafts and lack of hair growth are distinct signs of such a condition. Persistent hormone problems and iron deficiency can often cause this problem.
Anagen EffluviumThis is a dramatic and immediate release of hair from the active growing stage of the hair growth cycle. This condition is caused by toxic abuse of the hair follicles, chemotherapy is a common example. Once the cause is removed, hair will re-grow.
Other causes of Male Hair Loss.
There can be many reasons for hair loss other than the above. A percentage of men may be anaemic or iron deficient, often those who are vegetarian, blood donors or have had surgery. This type of hair loss is far easier to treat, and much better results can be achieved.
It is important to establish the cause of hair loss before embarking on any form of treatment or surgery.