Male Hair Loss

Hair loss is more of a widespread issue than many people perceive. Up to 70% of men will be affected by hair loss due to genetic factors during their lifetime. Getting to the cause of your hair loss is the first step towards understanding and managing the problem.

For those men affected, 95% of hair loss is a result of Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), medically referred to as Androgenic Alopecia.

In genetically predisposed individuals, hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp are programmed to become sensitive to changing hormonal activity. A specific enzyme called alpha 5 reductase is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone or DHT.

DHT is primarily responsible for patterned hair loss in males. Typically the temples, hairline, top and vertex of the scalp are the regions affected by hair loss. The rim of hair around the back of the scalp contains hormone resistant hair follicles which are not sensitive toDHT. When transplanted, follicles from this area will not fall out.

Generalised hair loss or thinning may be caused by other factors and not respond to conventional treatments for pattern hair loss. Other causes of hair loss include dietary deficiencies, stress, illness, medications e.g. anti-cancer drugs, trauma and dermatologic conditions.