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.

IT'S EASY TO GET EXPERT ADVICE AND ANSWERS to your particular questions and concerns. It's completely confidential. It's also completely free. So why not request your free, no-obligation hair loss evaluation and consultation today.
Call 1-800-992-4477.

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.

Causes of Women’s Hair Loss

       There are many different reasons why a woman might have hair loss. While some causes of hair loss may be able to be prevented, there are some causes of hair loss that cannot. Here are just a few of the causes of hair loss in women.

Genetics:

       The most common form of hair loss known as Androgenetic Alopecia, can be passed down from either your mother or father.

Iron Deficiency:

       Women who have a form of iron deficiency due to a poor diet or genetics may lack enough of the red blood cells that are necessary to send oxygen throughout the body including to your hair follicles. This may lead your hair follicles to stop growing hair.

Telogen Effluvium:

       Telogen Effluvium mostly occurs after pregnancy. Telogen Effluvium, also known as hair shedding, starts when a woman is pregnant, but with the rise in hormone levels a woman may not immediately notice hair loss. Around 3-4 months after the baby is born, the hormone levels of the mother go back to normal causing large amounts of hair to possibly fall out to get the mother’s hair follicles back on a normal growth cycle. This process may last up to a year.

Too Much Hair Styling:

       Using too many hair products or an overexposure to heat and chemicals may cause your hair to become more brittle. Hair dyes that use an abundance of chemicals and hair dryers on a high heat may be the leading culprits as to why you have noticed an increased loss in hair.

Alopecia Areata:

       Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles which may lead to bald spots. The cause of this disease is unknown.

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.

IT'S EASY TO GET EXPERT ADVICE AND ANSWERS to your particular questions and concerns. It's completely confidential. It's also completely free. So why not request your free, no-obligation hair loss evaluation and consultation today.