Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

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Ocean Drive Dermatology

Male and female pattern hair loss is very common and affects tens of millions of patients. The medical term for this type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia. It is typically recognizable in men by a balding patch on the crown of the scalp or as receding hair line. Most men in the 30s, sometimes younger have already noticed hair loss or thinning of the hair. Women do not usually end up with patches of hair loss, but more so a significant thinning of hair. Typically, we see this post menopause. Both male and female pattern hair loss tends to be genetic, but we believe hormones also contribute to hair loss. Genetics and hormones are not the only cause of hair loss, but the most common. Other causes of hair loss could be autoimmune, medications, illness, and even tractional alopecia which is usually caused by hairstyles that pull the hair tight.

There is not a cure for hair loss. The good news is that there are plenty of treatments for male and female pattern hair loss that have a proven track record. Ultimately, each patient responds in their own way to treatment. Sometimes the treatments are successful at growing hair and sometimes the treatments are only successful in stopping the progression of the hair loss. Most times, multiple treatments are needed for the best long-term results.