Hair loss in men

Types of male hair loss

Hereditary hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in men, accounting for 95 percent of cases. Around 60% of men are familiar with the problem of hair loss from their own experience.

Hereditary hair loss

Hereditary or androgenetic hair loss in men means that the development of hair loss is preprogrammed in the genes. The loss of hair becomes evident through a receding hairline and at the back of the head.

The cause

The cause of hereditary hair loss is a hypersensitivity of the hair root to the body’s own hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is formed in the hair root from testosterone.

The hair loss process

  1. In the hair root, DHT is formed from testosterone with the help of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
  2. If predisposed to do so, the hair root reacts sensitively to DHT and gradually dies.
  3. The hair falls out.

Diffuse hair loss

If the entire head is affected by hair loss and the number of hairs lost exceeds the normal amount of 100 hairs per day, this is diffuse hair loss. Although the hair bulb is intact, it is not sufficiently supplied with nutrients like amino acids (e.g. cystine) and B-group vitamins through the bloodstream.

This has consequences:

  • The hair bulb ceases its activity at some point.
  • The life of the hair is shortened.
  • It falls out prematurely.
  • Increased hair loss is the result.

 
The reasons for diffuse hair loss in men are many and varied and can be related to certain life circumstances:

  • Stress
  • Nutritional deficits/diet
  • Severe infections, e.g. flu
  • Certain metabolic disorders
  • Special form of seasonal hair loss (hair loss in spring or autumn)

Treatment

The cause of diffuse hair loss should be identified and, if possible, eliminated during a visit to the doctor. Diffuse hair loss can also be successfully treated by supplying suitable nutrients with Pantogar® capsules. Because of the life cycle of a hair, the treatment should be carried out for at least 3 to 6 months.

Recommendation: 3 x 1 capsule per day

Pantogar® capsules

Find out more about Pantogar® capsules whose effectiveness and good tolerability have been proven in clinical studies.

Alopecia areata

This form of hair loss is also called circular hair loss, or spot baldness. It is characterised by distinct, sharply defined bald patches of different sizes.

Alopecia areata is an inflammatory, usually reversible form of hair loss. The cause is unknown. Most likely, immunological (concerning the body’s defence mechanism) processes play a role in the development of the disease. Hereditary factors also seem to be of relevance, as in about 25% of cases the disease occurs in families.

Alopecia areata should be treated by a doctor.

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Pantogar®, capsules, hard
Indications: Diffuse hair loss of unknown origin. Degenerative changes in the hair structure (stressed, thin, inelastic, brittle, lifeless, dull, colourless hair), hair damaged by sunlight or UV radiation. Prevention of greying of the hair. Nail growth disorder (brittle, cracked and inelastic nails).*

** For risks and side effects please read package inserts and ask your physician or pharmacist.
Last revision of the text:  August 2024

Pantogar® vegan capsules (food supplement), hard
Pantogar® vegan capsules should be used under medical supervision. Not suitable as the sole source of nutrition. Intended for the dietary management of diffuse hair loss in women. Recommended intake: 3 capsules daily with sufficient liquid.*

Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 60048 Frankfurt**

*This is a summary of all indications granted in different countries of the EU. Please respect your local package insert and indications

**Market authorisation holder may be different for single countries