The Difference Between Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss
Androgenetic alopecia is hair loss that affects men and women and is caused by a genetic predisposition to the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When DHT levels rise, the hair follicles begin to shrivel and hair growth is affected. Men and women will usually have different responses to DHT.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
The first signs of Male Pattern Baldness are a receding hairline and thinning hair around the crown area. This can be seen as stage III Vertex on the Norwood Scale. If left untreated hair loss will progress as the follicles become more shriveled. Eventually, the follicles die which results in baldness. For some reason the follicles at the side and back of the head are less affected by DHT and this is why hair growth often remains in tact in these areas.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female Pattern Hair Loss starts with thinning hair across the central area of the scalp. This can be seen as stages 1-3 on the Ludwig Scale. While most women tend to retain their hairline, some will suffer from Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. If left untreated, the thinning often spreads to the side areas of the scalp in the temples and above the ears. A small number of women will experience baldness.
While most men and women follow these patterns, it is possible for men to develop a female pattern of hair loss and for women to show a male pattern. In some rare cases a man or woman can develop both patterns.
Although hair loss can be distressing to either sex, the condition can be particularly difficult for women to come to terms with as having hair is more strongly tied to the identity of a female. If you are suffering from hair loss, do not feel embarrassed about asking for support from a therapist or counselor to help you cope with the emotional upheaval.
Treatment
There are only two products that have undergone extensive clinical trials and been shown to be safe and effective for treating hair loss. As a result of these tests, Minoxidil (for men and women) and Propecia (for men only) have been licensed by the MHRA in the UK and FDA-approved in the USA.
The Belgravia Centre bases most of its treatment courses around one or both of these products. The clinic has an in-house registered pharmacy that produces three high quality Minoxidil treatments: Minoxidil 4% solution with added Medroxyprogesterone (MPG), Minoxidil 5% solution with added MPG and Minoxidil 12.5% cream with added Azelaic Acid (AA). MPG and AA are hair growth boosters that may help to reduce levels of DHT and thereby increase the efficacy of the Minoxidil. When MPG and AA are added to these particular concentrations of Minoxidil the treatment becomes prescriptive which ensures you are receiving treatment of a guaranteed quality. These Minoxidil treatments can be used by men and women.
For men, there is the extra option of adding Propecia to the treatment course. As Propecia is the single most effective treatment for male hair loss, it compliments the Minoxidil treatment to bring about optimum levels of re-growth. To see how well these treatments have worked for Belgravia clients, take a look at the large collection of Hair Loss Success Stories.
If you would like a diagnosis of your hair, Belgravia offers a free consultation with a clinic specialist. To book an appointment, just call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, complete the online diagnostic form for a consultation via the website and a mail order treatment service.
More Information
Male Pattern Baldness
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Hair Loss Products Reviewed
Interesting Articles
Simple Tips to Beat Hair Loss
The Norwood Scale – When to Start Treatment
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Women’s Receding Hairline
Are Thinning Hair & Baldness Predictable? Genetic Testing for Hair Loss
