Most theories regard it as resulting from sexual selection. A number of other primate species also experience hair loss following puberty, and some primate species clearly use an enlarged forehead, created both anatomically and through strategies such as frontal balding, to convey increased status and maturity. The assertion that MPB is intended to convey a social message is supported by the fact that the distribution of androgen receptors in the scalp differs between men and women, and older women or women with high androgen levels often exhibit diffuse thinning of hair as opposed to male pattern baldness.
Previous research had determined that male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, has a highly genetic origin. It is estimated that 80% of baldness in a population is influenced by genetic factors.
"The strong genetic basis of hair loss is odd, as any evolutionary advantage is unclear," says Spector.
From the American Hair Loss Asociation:
Androgenic alopecia in women is due to the action of androgens, male hormones that are typically present in only small amounts. Androgenic alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors tied to the actions of hormones, including, ovarian cysts, the taking of high androgen index birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause. Just like in men the hormone DHT appears to be at least partially to blame for the miniaturization of hair follicles in women suffering with female pattern baldness. Heredity plays a major factor in the disease.
Previous research had determined that male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, has a highly genetic origin. It is estimated that 80% of baldness in a population is influenced by genetic factors.
"The strong genetic basis of hair loss is odd, as any evolutionary advantage is unclear," says Spector.
From the American Hair Loss Asociation:
Androgenic alopecia in women is due to the action of androgens, male hormones that are typically present in only small amounts. Androgenic alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors tied to the actions of hormones, including, ovarian cysts, the taking of high androgen index birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause. Just like in men the hormone DHT appears to be at least partially to blame for the miniaturization of hair follicles in women suffering with female pattern baldness. Heredity plays a major factor in the disease.