Male pattern baldness is a type of androgenetic alopecia. This type of baldness is the cause of almost 95 percent of hair loss in men.
In the UK, almost two-thirds of men age 35 or older will experience appreciable hair loss and by the time they are 50, almost 85 percent of all men will experience thinning hair.
For men who have male pattern baldness, about 25 percent will begin experiencing symptoms by age 21. Studies show that most men who experience male pattern baldness are very unhappy with their hair loss. It apparently affects almost every aspect of their life and they will do almost anything to fix it.
There are several possible causes for hair loss in men, but the most common is male pattern baldness. Most hair loss in men may be attributed to male pattern baldness, but other conditions such as medications, serious diseases, and even high levels of stress may also cause hair loss.
If a man suffers from male pattern baldness, they have inherited hair follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These types of hair follicles shorten or miniaturize over time, shortening each hair follicle’s life span. These hair follicles will eventually stop producing hair.
Most men with male pattern baldness will first notice their hair receding from their forehead or they will notice their hair is thinning on the crown of their head. It appears that hair in these two areas are especially sensitive to DHT. Both of these patterns will eventually progress into more noticeable areas of baldness and may eventually disappear from all parts of the head, only leaving a rim of hair or the familiar horseshoe pattern. Some men may lose all of their hair.
Male pattern baldness is caused by a hair follicle sensitivity to DHT. DHT is derived from testosterone. DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, but when the DHT is suppressed, the hair follicles may continue to grow. When a hair follicle is sensitive to DHT, long exposure to the hormone will result in the miniaturisation of the hair follicle. This process may be stopped or slowed if treatment is started early on.
Over the past several years, medicine has made great progress in treating male pattern baldness. The creation of treatments such as Propecia, a 5-alpha-reductace inhibitor, and hair restoration surgery means that men do not have to live with hair loss. It is now possible to slow or stop hair loss and to replace lost hair through surgery.
While there are effective treatments & hair transplants for hair loss, it is important to be aware that many that are advertised are nothing more than scams. Most advertised hair loss treatments will not work. The only effective treatments are approved by the FDA and will be recommended or endorsed by an Association.
Successful treatment of male pattern baldness is dependent upon early intervention and treatment. As soon as the hair loss is noticed, it is important to discuss the condition with your medical provider to determine the best course of treatment.
