ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA (male pattern baldness)
(Androgen-related hair loss)

Permanent hair-loss caused by the action of androgens on genetically susceptible follicles. Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness or male pattern hair loss is a non-reversible genetically determined hair loss disease. The presence of Androgen is necessary for its progression.

Genetically either:
i)  dominant - a single gene of inheritance.
ii) polygenic - multi gene inheritance.

Androgenetic Alopecia (in men)

Androgenetic Alopecia ( Male Pattern Baldness or male pattern hair loss) is a multi-factorial condition in which genetic predisposition & circulating androgens (testosterone androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) are the key

factors in a process of progressive hair follicle miniaturisation and reduction in the anagen (hair growing) phase. Associated with the conversion of androgen testosterone into di-hydro-testosterone (DHT) by the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. Hair characteristics may change.

The Norwood-Hamilton Scale (below) is used to describe the level of development of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) which may or may not travel through each of these stages, the development may stop at any time.

Follicles miniaturise to produce vellus hairs. Caucasoids are more susceptibility than Afroids or Mongoloids. Eunuchs (post-pubertal castrated males) do not usually suffer Androgenetic Alopecia however recent findings suggest that some will have suffered this due to the mediation into dihydrotestosterone of an follicle residing enzyme known as 3-alpha-hydroxy-steroid-dehydrogenases.

The following medications may assist in male pattern baldness

Minoxidil

Finasteride (Propecia)

Dutasteride (Avodart™).

Research is currently considering Spironolactone as a topical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor .

Hair Restoration surgery and non surgical replacement systems still remain viable options in the treatment of androgen related alopecia. For more details please contact our helpline.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact one of the help lines (top left of page)

The Stevens' Family