Is Self Diagnosis of MPB Possible?
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010Can a man diagnose himself of having MPB?
Yes! In men, male pattern baldness (MPB) or Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) can be identified and defined visually. The use of the Hamilton Norwood Classification scale or other scales aids in this process and offers a more accurate classification.
Let me repeat: Self diagnosis for MPB is possible. I diagnosed myself, I then went to see the family doctor and asked him “what’s happening to my hair” he answered “male pattern baldness”. Don’t take my word for it, a study published in December, 2004 entitled “Validity of self reported male balding patterns in epidemiological studies” examined and compared the accuracy and reliability of the assessment of balding patterns when conducted by “trained observers” verses assessments of balding patterns conducted by “men” who are experiencing the balding themselves.
In this study, the trained observers and “men” used a classification system known as the “Hamilton-Norwood classification system” (shown below). This study found while it was best to have a trained observer assess the balding pattern, it found that “men’s self evaluation is accurate enough to ensure reliability and validity of results.” In other words, a man should be able to assess his own hair loss pattern using this scale reliably. [*1]
How to identify?
MPB causes a gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, following a certain pattern. With MPB, the hair line either recedes uniformly from the forehead (this is known as frontal hair loss or frontal balding) or it recedes in a manner that follows an “M” shape (known as vertex hair loss). Vertex hair loss is also accompanied by hair loss at the crown or back of the head. [21] [23]
Both patterns could progress to partial baldness that leave hair around the sides of the head (resembling a “U” shape) or even to total baldness. The Hamilton Norwood scale is used by researchers and individuals to access or quantify their baldness pattern. [21] [23]