What’s the Difference Between Male and Female Pattern Baldness?

                Among the many biological occurrences that manifest differently for men and women, one that is especially different is cycles of hair loss. Male  Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL) is widely known and often discussed, but  just as there are measurable configurations of male baldness, there exist patterns for female hair loss as well. In fact, over 55% of women experience some measure of hair loss throughout their lives.

                Just as Hamilton and Norwood developed a scale for male hair loss (developed by Hamilton in the 1950’s then updated by Norwood in the 1970’s), in 1977 Ludwig developed a similar scale for female pattern baldness.

                Though there are other scales for both MPHL and Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), these two are the most popular among practitioners and researchers when attempting to classify hair loss.

The Hamilton-Norwood Scale for Men: The Hamilton-Norwood scale has seven types of classifications and several stages within those classifications. For example, within stage 5 there are three levels of progression including 5, 5A, and 5V, which show variations of a receding hairline with hair loss also in the crown of a man’s head. Androgenetic Alopecia, or MPHL, can begin for some men even in their teens and continue on throughout their life. The rate and onset of Androgentic Alopecia is highly individualized. However, it is widely accepted that there are biological determinants for hair loss and the best indicator of a man’s potential for hair loss is in his family history.

The Ludwig Scale for Women: The Ludwig scale has three primary classifications that display thinning hair, diffuse hair loss, as well as frontal hairline recession. Each image in the scale display a woman’s head with her hair parted down the middle. As an example, images I-1 through I-3 show the progression as a woman goes from no hair loss to increasingly thinning hair as indicated by a widening part. Further along in the scale, the hair loss becomes increasingly drastic. As compared to male hair loss, FPHL is not as widely expected or accepted in society. Thus, women affected by Androgentic Alopecia can experience emotional and psychological distress over their condition. This scale helps to normalize their condition and provide a point from which to discuss treatment with professionals in the field of hair restoration, dermatology, and other medical professions.

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International Hair Restoration Systems is Jacksonville’s premiere hair restoration clinic. We offer the latest technology in hair restoration solutions for both men and women.  These include hair and scalp treatments, non medical hair replacement, laser hair therapy treatments and hair transplants. We extend every courtesy and accommodation to our clients to ensure a pleasant experience. With convenient, discreet off-street parking, our hair restoration center is specifically designed for your comfort and privacy. We believe you’ll find our service exceptional.

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References:

Dinh QU and Sinclair R. “Female pattern hair loss: Current treatment concepts”. Dove Medical Press Limited, 2007 Jun, 2(2): 189-199

Camacho FM, Garcia-Hernandez MJ, Fernandez-Crehuet JL. “Value of hormonal levels in patients with male androgenetic alopecia treated with finasteride: better response in patients under 26 years old”. British Journal of Dermatology. 2008 May;158(5):1121-4.