Male Pattern Baldness
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is a type of hair loss which is extremely common. Most men develop male pattern baldness at some point in their lives, with a reported 50% of men bald by the age of 50. Further statistics show that 25% of men begin to lose their hair before the age of 30. Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this form of hair loss follows a distinctive pattern, which gives it its name.
Despite the fact that male pattern baldness is so common, the condition can still lead to emotional distress for many men. It is true that there is no cure for baldness, but the process of male pattern baldness can be halted and even reversed with the help of medications such as Propecia, which is available on prescription. This treatment is more effective the earlier it is used.
How do I know if I have male pattern baldness?
If you have noticed that your hair is getting thinner, the likelihood is that you are beginning to experience male pattern baldness. This can begin at any age and for some men could be as early as in their teens. The process of hair loss with this condition usually begins with a thinning of the hair at the front and top of the head, commonly referred to as a receding hairline. As this continues, a bald patch develops at the front and crown of the head. This often leaves a distinctive ring of hair left around the head, where the remaining hair at the sides and back of the scalp.
What are the causes of male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition, caused by a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects the hair follicles on the head. Dihydrotestosterone is a by-product of testosterone, a process of conversion which relies on an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. When men have this genetic sensitivity to DHT, at some point the hair follicles will begin to shrink, which causes the hair to thin and eventually stop growing.
Are there any male pattern baldness treatments available?
Male pattern baldness is more of a cosmetic concern than a health issue, and a number of men do not ever feel the need to seek treatment. However, it is treatable for those who find the condition unwelcome or distressing.
There are a number of treatments available, including over-the-counter treatments, prescription medications and surgery. Which male pattern baldness treatment is most appropriate for you will depend on your lifestyle and the degree of hair loss you are experiencing? Surgery, though it is the most immediate solution, is very expensive, as well as being invasive and often painful. Over-the-counter treatments, though cheaper, often have little clinical data to back up their claims of success. The prescription medication Propecia is clinically proven to treat male pattern baldness, but its effects are not immediate and it may take several months before results are visible.
Should I be concerned if I have this condition?
Male pattern baldness is a natural process and is not in itself a health problem, nor is it an indication of one. Though treatments are available, the condition itself is not a cause for concern. In terms of hair loss, you should only be concerned if you experience hair loss suddenly, for example in clumps. This kind of hair loss is not part of male pattern baldness and could indicate a further health problem, so you should seek advice from a doctor.
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