Thinning hair and hair loss is a common issue that affects most men and women as they age. Many factors, such as genetics, diet, environment, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and medications, can cause and contribute to hair loss. Some shedding of hair is normal, with the average person losing 50 to 100 hairs each day. This shedding is typically not noticeable as new hair growth usually replaces this loss.
When new hair growth fails to replace the lost hair, bald spots or thinning may occur, and the condition may be a sign of androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is one of the most common forms of hair loss in both men and women. Among the many physiological phenomena that display differently for men and women, one that is uniquely different is cycles of hair loss.
Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most prevalent type of hair loss in men, with research suggesting that it affects over half of all men over the age of 50. Researchers have concluded that one of the primary determinants for androgenetic alopecia is genetics, or having a family history of baldness. The rate and onset of male pattern baldness vary significantly among individuals, with some men beginning to have signs of hair loss even in their teens and continue throughout their life.
Research has found an association between male pattern baldness and male sex hormones called androgens, which serve many purposes, including regulating hair growth. Hormonal changes in the body affect the normal hair growth cycle, shrinking the hair follicle, which causes it to produce shorter and finer strands of hair. While male pattern baldness typically has no medical side effects, over time, the hair follicle continues to shrink and is eventually unable to function properly. As the hair follicle continues to shrink, the growth cycle finally stops entirely and halts the growth of new hair.
The first symptom of male pattern baldness for many men is thinning hair at the temples or the crown of the head, while other men experience a receding hairline. If left untreated, male pattern baldness will continue to cause the hairline to recede, and the thin spot at the crown will eventually become a growing bald spot.
Female Pattern Baldness
Androgenetic alopecia is less prevalent in women than men and also presents itself differently between the sexes, but is still characterized by shrinking hair follicles. While men often notice a bald spot or receding hairline, the first sign of female pattern baldness for most women is typically a widening of the part and a noticeable change in their hair's volume and thickness.
While women do not typically experience the receding hairline that men do, the thinning hair at the part causes more of the scalp to be visible. Female pattern baldness is associated with hormonal changes and tends to affect women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s but may occur earlier in some women. Female pattern baldness is a progressive condition and, if not treated, will usually worsen, causing widespread thinning and receding hair around the temples.
Male and Female Pattern Baldness Solutions From New Image
At New Image Hair Clinic, our highly trained staff are experts at diagnosing and treating all types of hair loss, including thinning hair and hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia. Our compassionate team of hair specialists will thoroughly examine your scalp and hair, and consider every factor that may be contributing to your condition.
We offer our clients the most advanced and proven solutions available, including laser treatment, topical regrowth products for men and for women, extensions, and more. Our hair loss solutions are customized to meet your specific needs, and we are committed to finding the best solution for you. To learn more about male and female pattern baldness and the treatment options we offer at New Image, contact us today and schedule your free consultation.