Male Pattern Baldness vs Female Pattern Baldness: Signs and Effective Treatments

04/16/2024

 

Symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia:

In Men: The male pattern baldness is characterized by thinning and loss of hair from the front and top of the scalp.

In Women: Female pattern baldness generally impacts the crown of the head. Complete baldness is very rare in females.

Diagnosis:

Scalp examination can help diagnose Androgenetic alopecia. A blood test or scalp biopsy may be conducted to determine other reasons for hair loss.

Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women:

Hair loss, in general, could occur due to various reasons, a few of which are listed below:

Genetics:

The most common reason for hair loss in men and women is androgenetic alopecia, or genetic pattern balding. It occurs after puberty due to reactions to androgen and causes progressive hair loss on top of the head.

Hormonal Imbalance:

Any changes in the normal estrogen levels can alter body functioning and cause hair loss. Under this, hair loss may occur due to certain medications or changes in health conditions such as:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Pregnancy

• Contraceptive Pills

Stress:

Excessive stress can also lead to hair loss from the scalp. Stress causes the hairs from the growing phase to enter the resting phase, where hair growth stops temporarily.

Weight Loss:

Shedding weight and following a crash diet may also lead to Telogen effluvium (excess hair shedding from the resting phase).

Medications:

Certain Chemotherapy or radiation therapy medications can lead to excess hair loss. The hair loss starts a couple of weeks after the therapy; for most people, the hair regrows after the treatment stops.

Autoimmune Disease:

Spot baldness or Alopecia areata occurs when the body’s immune system weakens the hair follicles, causing hair loss. Under this condition, the hair is lost in patches.

Aging:

As one ages, the body’s functioning changes. This could also lead to hair loss, which is quite normal.

Diet:

The absence of zinc, protein, and niacin may cause hair loss. Excess of Vitamin A and Vitamin E could also lead to hair loss.

Several other reasons may cause hair loss other than the reasons mentioned above.

Differences in Pattern Baldness in Males and Females:

A few differences between male and female pattern baldness are listed below:

• Compared to women, men experience hair loss a little earlier. In general, hair loss in males starts around 40 years of age. However, hair loss starts 10 to 15 years later in females, mainly after menopause.

• In women, hair thinning can occur all over the scalp without hairline receding. In men, hair loss generally occurs in a specific pattern that starts from the temple and causes a receding hairline.

• Pattern baldness affects different parts of the head in men and women. In men, hair thinning begins at the front and top of the head. In women, it starts at the crown of the head and widens gradually.

• Hair loss in men and women can result from different medical conditions. In women, hair loss could be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In men, it could happen due to prostate cancer. Cardiovascular disease in men is also linked to male pattern baldness.

• Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is used to treat testosterone deficiency in men. However, TRT could maximize the risk of hair loss in males. Females also use TRT to mitigate menopausal symptoms, which could result in hair loss.

Treatment for Hair Loss:

Pattern baldness can be treated with hair loss drugs and surgery, and some people can also opt for a hair transplant.

Hair Loss Drugs:

There are various medications available for the prevention of hair loss and restoration. A few of them are mentioned below:

• Minoxidil: It is the generic form of Rogaine. It is an OTC drug applied directly to the scalp. Minoxidil 2% is used to treat hair loss in females, while Minoxidil 5% is used to treat hair loss in males.

• Finasteride: This medication's brand name is (Propecia). It minimizes the production of androgens, a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia, thereby preventing further hair loss. Pregnant ladies should abstain from using finasteride tablets for treating hair loss.

• Spironolactone: This drug is the generic equivalent of Aldactone. It works similarly to finasteride and reduces the production of hormones that enhance hair loss.

Other medications can also treat hair loss besides those mentioned above. Before you buy hair loss medication online, consult your healthcare provider to determine the correct strength and dosage.

Surgery:

Some people may opt for surgery, including hair transplantation. Under hair transplant, healthy hair follicles from the back of the head are transplanted to the scalp's affected region. Another form of surgery, scalp reduction, is administered to tackle hair loss. In this, patches with hair loss are removed, and leftover skin is sewn together.

Camouflage:

This is not a form of hair loss treatment. However, it helps make hair loss look less evident. It includes hair dyes and sprays that help the scalp resemble the same color as the hair.

Injecting Plasma rich in Platelets:

In this type of treatment, plasma from the blood is withdrawn and injected into the scalp, which may promote hair growth.

Takeaway

Although hair loss is expected with age, it can be frustrating and lead to lower self-confidence. For some people, it’s okay to live with hair loss, while others may opt for treatment and a hair transplant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options to prevent further worsening.