Your scalp is composed of thousands of hair follicles. Each hair follicle has a specific growth cycle.

ANAGEN - Hair actively grows in the first stage of the normal hair growth cycle, which can range from to 2 to 6 years. In the Anagen phase, hair cells grow rapidly producing the hair shaft from the follicle, which itself grows deeper into the scalp.

CATAGEN - In the next 3 weeks, the hair remains in the transitional or regressive stage. This is the time when the hair stops growing and the hair follicle shrinks. At any given time, only a minority of hair is in this stage

TELOGEN - This is the final stage of hair growth. The hair fully rests for 3 months after which the hair is lost.

If the growth cycles are not hindered, the normal hair growth cycle repeats itself and a new hair grows on this same hair follicle.

For most men, loss of up to 100 hair strands a day is part of the normal continuous hair growth cycle. But a hairline that is receding or a thinning crown is something else. It could be a sign of Androgenetic Alopecia, or what is more commonly referred to as Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL).

At the root of MPHL is a hormone normally present in the body called dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Because of genetics, the hair follicles of some men are more sensitive to the effects of DHT than others. If this happens, the normal hair growth cycle is disturbed and hair follicles begin to shrink, causing hair thinning.

The problem with MPHL is that it is a progressive condition. The more it is left untreated, the worse it gets.

The chart below is used by doctors to classify hair loss by type and assess a patient’s MPHL stage. If you suspect that you may be in one of the stages of MPHL, consult your doctor or dermatologist or you may use the Find-a-doctor function on this website to find a specialist who can help you assess what stage you are in and determine if you need treatment.

MPHL stages according to the Norwood-Hamilton Scale.

Male Pattern Hair Loss is still a cause of concern for men. In a qualitative survey conducted among Filipino men, hair loss was related to negative attitudes like insecurity, envy, worry, frustration, and paranoia among men who have it.

If you are one of the many Filipino men who may be affected by MPHL, consult your doctor or check our Find A Doctor section for a doctor that you may consult. Your doctor can help you keep your hair healthy and discuss with you what can be done when you have Male Pattern Hair Loss.

Male Pattern Hair Loss is the most common form, however hair loss can be caused by other medical conditions, and even some drugs. It is therefore important that a physician be consulted prior to starting any form of treatment. Male Pattern Hair Loss, after being diagnosed, can be treated by a doctor in one of several ways.

 

Medication	Surgical Treatment	Devices
Topical over the counter solutions	Hair transplantation	Wigs, Toupees
Oral prescription medication