Pattern hair loss, also known male pattern hair loss (MPHL) or female pattern hair loss (FPHL), refers to the thinning and loss of hair primarily at the top and front of the scalp. In men, it typically manifests itself as a receding hairline, while in women, it typically appears as thinning hair.
What causes pattern hair loss?
For men, pattern hair loss is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and the male hormone dihydrotestosterone. In women, the causes still remain unclear.
Is pattern hair loss a medical concern?
Usually there is no reason to be concerned about pattern hair loss. Hair loss, however, can be linked to certain medications and other medical conditions, so if you are taking a new medication or experiencing other medical systems, it is best to talk to your doctor. Hair loss can also be caused by certain cancers, thyroid conditions, anabolic steroids, fungal conditions of the scalp, and nutritional disorders.
How can I identify pattern hair loss?
In men, pattern hair loss appears as thinning hair at the crown and/or frontal scalp. It may begin at the frontal scalp, creating an M shape at the hairline; at the crown, creating a bald spot at the crown; or in both areas, resulting in more general baldness at the top of the head. Hair loss in men may begin as early as the teens or early twenties.
In women, pattern hair loss appears as thinning hair, particularly at the part.
How can I treat pattern hair loss?
Pattern hair loss can be addressed in a number of ways. Many men simply accept hair loss and style their hair accordingly. Others, especially those with limited hair loss, disguise the hair loss with a creative cut or style. Males with pattern hair loss might alternatively wear a hairpiece or get a weave. Many men also decide to shave the head completely rather than have some areas of baldness and some areas of hair growth on the head.
Several noninvasive hair restoration techniques can be used to treat and even reverse hair loss. Propecia, for example, is a pill for men that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. (DHT is the hormone that causes hair loss.) Rogaine, meanwhile, is a topical, over-the-counter solution that can be applied to the scalp to reverse the thinning process and even stimulate new hair growth. (This is most effective in younger patients who are just beginning to see the signs of hair loss.) Low level light therapy (LLLT) is another noninvasive option and involves using a laser two to three times a week for ten minutes at a time to help hair regrow.
Finally, there is surgical hair restoration, or a hair transplant. A hair transplant involves rearranging the hair on the head, taking hair from the back of the head and transplanting it at the frontal scalp or crown where the patient is balding. Hair transplants have a 90% rate of effectiveness.
