Hair Loss and Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is characterized by a shorter growing cycle and hair that falls out more frequently. Learn more about the causes of hair loss in men.
Transcript: Hair Loss and Male Pattern Baldness
Normal Hair Growth
The normal growth cycle of hair lasts anywhere from 2 to 5 years and consists of three phases. The anagen phase is the first and longest lasting phase in which hair is actively growing. During the catagen phase, which lasts only a few weeks, the hair root moves toward the scalp. Finally, the telogen phase is a resting period that ends when the hair falls out and the anagen phase starts again.What Is Male Pattern Baldness?
At any given time, each hair is in a different stage in the growth cycle, resulting in the maintenance of a full head of hair. However, during male pattern baldness, there is a shortened anagen, or growing phase. Hair grows to a shorter length and falls out more frequently, eventually causing bald spots on the head, most often beginning at the temple and crown of the head.Causes of Male Pattern Baldness
Hair loss can be hereditary, but it can also be related to stress, excess UV radiation, medication side effects, elevated body temperature, or hormonal changes.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.