Normal hair growth What is MPHL? What causes MPHL? What does MPHL look like? What are my chances of suffering from hair loss? Getting your head round MPHL - the psychological impact of hair loss Getting the measure of hair loss

Making Sense of Hair Loss

What is MPHL?

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common form of hair loss in men² and is experienced by nearly two thirds of men during their lifetime.¹ MPHL is genetically determined and is caused by a particular sensitivity to a specific male hormone that disrupts the normal pattern of hair growth.^9,14,15

There are a number of other types of hair loss, including:¹

Alopecia areata, which is characterised by small patches of hair loss that can grow and spread. There are two different types of alopecia areata:

Alopecia totalis, is loss of all scalp hair
Alopecia universalis, where all body hair is lost, including eyebrows and underarm and pubic hair

Telogen effluvium is characterised by excessive hair shedding, leading to thinning hair. It can result from stress, surgery or infection
Anagen effluvium is caused by disruption of the growing phase of the hair follicle cycle, leading to significant hair loss, for example following chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Scarring alopecia hair loss which may result from scarring caused by, for example, deep infections or burns

But if you want an accurate diagnosis of MPHL, you should consult a trichologist (hair expert), your GP or a pharmacist. If you have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

Provided as a service to patients by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited