Hereditary Hair Loss Differentiate the male & female hereditary hair loss and thinning
Both men and women may experience hair loss and thinning that can also leads to baldness. There are a number of factors that play an important role in this problem: the behavior in everyday life, stress, malnutrition, skin diseases, hormonal changes or imbalance, side effects or adverse reactions of drugs or other products, and even environment and pollution. However, the most important factor that affects the health of our scalp and hair is the “Heredity” that is genetically passed on from one generation to another. Up to 90-95 percent of all cases have been caused by genetic influences.
However, there are some key points between male-pattern hair loss and female-pattern hair loss. The more we point out, the more effectiveness of treat we will gain.
Characteristics of Male Pattern Hair Loss and Thinning
In reality, hair loss and thinning is more common in men than women due to genetic influences. The trait is dominant in men while at the same time it is recessive in women. Moreover, “Testosterone” is also an important contributor. For men having hair- loss gene inherited, the high level of enzyme 5-alpha reductase will be found in the scalp. This enzyme converts testosterone a male sex hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which shrinks the hair follicles as well as shorten the hair growth cycle. The characteristics of male pattern hair loss are as follows:
- Hair often begins to recede at the hairline on the forehead then gradually develops in the middle of the scalp (A Shape);
- Hair begins to recede in the middle of scalp then gradually extends in a circular direction until only the hair on lower back of the scalp (called the occipital region) is left. This pattern is more common in Asian men (O Shape);
- Hair begins to recede from the temples and then gradually recede backward until a “M” shape is formed. This pattern can be found in very young men (M Shape);
- Hair simultaneously begins to recede in the middle of scalp and temples. This pattern causes the most severe hair loss and thinning (O&M Mixed Pattern);
- Noticeably, the hair in the lower back of the head is denser than other areas and its size is normal. The reason is the hair follicles in such area are strong and resistant to DHT hormone, which causes hair falling out and thinning more than usual;
- The scalp inflammation and red skin around the hair follicles may be found;
- Having a thick beard and oily skin due to the high level of testosterone; and
- Proof of hair loss and thinning experienced by the parents does not matter because this trait may appear across generations.
Characteristics of Female Pattern Hair Loss and Thinning
- The main difference between male-pattern hair loss and female-pattern hair loss is the heredity does not influence the receding hairline along the forehead of a woman (consequently, if you are experiencing hair loss and thinning at the hairline on the forehead, it may be caused by other factors, for instance, a tight hair tie for too long, a hormone imbalance when taking birth control pills, entering menopause, pregnancy or after delivery, including other health problems such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, etc.).
- Noticeably, women experience hair thinning on the top of the head, especially along the parting line that will gradually get wider while the hair in such area will become thinner and weaker. The severity of hair loss and thinning is classified into 3 levels: mild change, moderate change, and severe change in which hair loss and thinning widely expands to both sides of the head.
- While men experiencing hair loss and thinning will still have dense and strong hair above the ears circling to the lower back of the head, on the contrary women will have less density and thinner hair. However, it is not as severe as found at midscalp.
- Commonly, women have less severity of hair loss and thinning than men. It does not lead to complete baldness.
- The scalp inflammation and red skin around the hair follicles may be found;
- Proof of hair loss and thinning experienced by the parents does not matter because this trait may appear across generations;
- There may be an evidence of menstrual irregularities experienced in the past such as irregular periods.
- Female pattern hair loss and thinning will be more pronounced when entering menopause.
If it is presumed that your hair loss and thinning are potentially caused by genetic (hereditary-pattern), you could seek the advice from an expert medical professional for your most suitable hair transplantation treatment. Currently, the new hair transplantation technologies are being invented, developed, and used; resulting in smaller instruments, reduced pain and swelling after treatment, shorter healing and recovery time, and invisible wound. You will be able to resume your daily activities immediately with the dense and strong hair naturally blended in with the native one.
