Androgenic Alopecia or simply Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)
Androgenetic Alopecia, or simply male pattern baldness (MPB), is the most common type of hair loss that occurs in men. Male pattern baldness is a condition that is inherited from either side of the family. What is inherited is a certain pattern of hair distribution, in which the hair is sensitive to the presence of a male hormone breakdown product (DHT). After puberty, the male hormone testosterone surges, hence DHT surges. Under the influence of DHT the hair is progressively miniaturized until it is just fine hair without pigment or vellus hair. This state where the pigmented thick hairs are converted to villus invisible hairs is the common bald state in men. The incidence of baldness in men increases with age. The percent of men 25 to 30 years of age with male pattern baldness is 25%. The rate increases to 40% of the men aged 40-50, and 50% of men aged 50 years or older.
Pattern hair loss in women is characterized by progressive thinning in the top of the scalp. The bald state is rare and should be worked up to exclude the possibility of excess male hormone. In about 15% of women affected with pattern hair loss, the back of the head is also affected.
At any age , hair loss makes us look older. Hair loss is difficult at any age, but those affected when young have the additional problem that it is relatively uncommon at such an age. Hence, people assume they must be older. The converse is also true. That is, when an older man undergoes hair loss treatment, framing his face restores a much more youthful appearance.
