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What is pattern hair loss?

Pattern baldness is also called androgenetic alopecia because it tends to happen in response to the male sex hormones (androgens). Genetics also plays a part in pattern baldness with it being passed on variably within families. Women also produce androgens, but in different ways, so the pattern of hair loss is different. Male pattern baldness usually starts with receding hair around the temples, followed by balding on top of the scalp. Hair often remains at the back and sides. Female pattern hair loss usually only causes thinning of hair on the top of the head.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is alopecia?

Alopecia, or hair loss, is characterized by a noticeable shedding, thinning or breaking of the hair. It can affect both men and women.

What causes hair loss?

Many different factors may increase the likelihood of developing hair loss. These include: - Emotional stress; - Physical stress, such as childbirth; - Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy; - Certain medications, such as anticoagulants, antidepressants, …

What are the treatments for alopecia?

If you wish to seek treatment, a number of options aim to slow or hide hair loss, stimulate regrowth or replace damaged hair. Treating any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your hair loss may also help. Although there is no cure …

Who experiences alopecia?

Anyone can experience alopecia, including women, children and young adults. However, it most commonly affects men over the age of 50. Hair shedding occurs due to imbalances in the hair cycle which can be triggered by factors such as: - Levels of male sex …

How does alopecia occur?

On the average scalp, there are about 100,000 hairs. Hair grows about one centimeter a month and lasts on the scalp for 3 to 5 years. It's normal to lose around 100 hairs from the scalp each day. If healthy new hairs continue to grow in place of those lost, no …

Can alopecia be cured?

Alopecia cannot be cured. If you wish to seek treatment, a number of options aim to slow or hide hair loss, stimulate regrowth or replace damaged hair. Treating any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your hair loss may also help. Although …

What does hair transplant surgery involve?

Transplant surgery is mainly used to treat pattern baldness in men. During this procedure, a surgeon removes 'donor grafts' of hair from the back and sides of the scalp and then transplants them into bald areas. Each graft contains one or more …

Does hair loss run in families?

In males, certain genes relating to pattern hair loss are known to be passed down from parents to children. Pattern hair loss in females is not as well understood, but its also thought to be influenced by genetics. Similarly, alopecia areata (a condition in …

What is the outlook for alopecia?

Full recovery of hair is common when the hair loss is not long-term or widespread. Normal thickness is often achieved within months to a year in cases of telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium and alopecia areata. However, when hair loss affects half of the …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness is a common type of hair loss that affects at least half of all men at some point. As male pattern baldness is largely caused by genetic and hormonal factors, it is generally considered to be a normal, natural part of ageing.…
Diseases & conditions

Female pattern hair loss

Female pattern hair loss affects nearly all women to some degree. It is usually experienced as a thinning around the line where the hair parts, occurring at the onset of menopause. As female pattern hair loss is largely caused by genetic and hormonal factors, it is generally considered to be a normal, natural part of ageing.…

About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1345 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Male pattern baldness

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