Farjo Medical centre

MALE PATTERN BALDNESS (MPB)

This is the cause of hair loss in men in over 90% of cases. MPB is defined as hair loss at the front, top and/or the crown/vertex of the scalp (non-permanent area). The back and sides of the scalp are spared and usually grow hair for life (permanent area).

The hair root has a life cycle. In simple terms this cycle consists of a growing phase and a resting phase. Before hair loss sets in, the growing phase lasts up to seven years and the resting phase three to four months. Genetic hair loss causes the life cycle phases to go in reverse, i.e. the growing phase becomes shorter and shorter and the resting phase longer. Eventually the hair grows very little or not at all.

The cause of MPB is the presence of receptors in the hair roots of the non-permanent area. No such receptors exist in the permanent area. These receptors attract the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and as a result starts the hair loss process. The numberand location of these susceptible hairs is determined by inheritance from both or either parent. The scalp is the same all over and is usually rich in blood supply and therefore, contrary to commonly heard myths, MPB has nothing to do with lack of blood or anything else.                                                                      

 What about women's hair loss? 

What else can cause hair loss?

                 Norwood Chart