Hair Loss can be stressful and emotional experience for men. ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA or MALE PATTERN BALDNESS affect about 20 percent of white male. It is estimated about 3 million men in Canada and about 35 million men in United States are affected by it. Male sex hormones ANDROGENS (TESTOSTERONE, DIHYDROTESTERONE) are the main hormones that produce male-pattern hair loss. The amount of male sex hormones do not need to be greater than normal for baldness to happen. It is the presence of hair loss gene that cause baldness. The hair loss gene can be inherited from either paternal or maternal side. On the other hand, body hair in the pubic and axillary (arm pit) depend on androgen to grow.

INCIDENCE OF HAIR LOSS

In general 20 percent of men in their 20’s have male pattern baldness, 30 percent in their 30’s, 40 percent in their 40’s. Also, men that begin losing there hair in their 20’s will have the most severe hair loss.

HAIR GROWTH CYCLE

In patients with male pattern baldness the percentage of hairs in growth phase (anagen) and duration diminish progressively resulting in shorter and less dense hair pattern. Also, hair that are in resting stage (telogen) are the hairs that are susceptible to loss from daily trauma. This can be simple washing, combing and friction on pillows.

NORWOOD CLASSIFICATION