About Male Pattern Baldness- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

What is Male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is among the most common cause of hair loss in men. The condition may appear due to genes and male sex hormones. Male pattern hair loss can begin in the 30s; some men may start in their late teens or early twenties. It usually follows a pattern of receding hairline and causes hair thinning on the crown area of the head. 

According to the U.S. National of Medicine(NLM), on average, 50% of men in their 50s will face Male pattern baldness to some extent. 

In this article, you will learn more about the Male Pattern Baldness. If you are losing hair or experiencing some normal shedding, it might help you. Know when to see a doctor and how to manage your hair loss. 

Causes of Male pattern baldness

These are common factors that can contribute to male pattern baldness:

Age- The risk of developing male pattern baldness increase with age in most. Almost 25% of men see the first sign of hair loss before age 21. And by age 50, half of the men population experience hair loss, and about 70% will lose hair as they grow older. 

Hormones

According to medical experts and researchers, male hair follicles shrinking can link with male sex hormones. Dihydrotestosterone(DHT) is a type of androgen, a group of sex hormones that helps males enter puberty and mature physically. Physical development consists of hair growth on the face, scalp, chest, underarms, and genitals in a person. 

Genetics

A male birth has one X chromosome, which they inherit from their mother, and one Y chromosome from their Father. The AR gene on the X chromosome tells the body how to make androgens, so the sensitivity of AR genes helps determine male pattern baldness. 

Some other cause of hair loss includes infections, some psychological conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. 

Who is at higher risk of Male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness can begin to develop in the early teenage years. But, it more commonly occurs in adults in their 30s and for some more early, with the likelihood increasing with age. Genetics plays a major role in male pattern baldness. Men whose close relatives had faced male pattern baldness are at a higher risk of having it. And this is particularly true when these relatives are from their maternal side of the family. 

Do I have a Male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness can appear, and then your hair loss starts at the crown or the temples of your head. While some men get a single bald spot, and others can have their hairline receding to form the shape "M.". However, in some men, the hairline keeps receding until all their hair is gone. 

Techniques to Address Male Pattern Baldness

In hair loss problems not always medical treatment is necessary if other health issues aren't a cause. However, treatments are available for men who worry about their appearance and want a fuller head of hair. These are some techniques that you can try to address hair loss.

Hairstyles

Some men can hide their hair loss with the help of the right haircut or hairstyle. You can ask your hairstylist for a creative haircut to make the thinning hair look fuller. 

Wigs or hairpieces

Wigs or hairpieces are the best way to cover thinning hair; you can also hide receding hairlines and complete baldness. You can choose from different varieties with different styles, colours, and textures. With the help of a professional wig stylist, you can select the right style that fits you, and that wig will give you a more natural look. 

Weaves

Hair weaves are wigs sewn into your natural hair to make it appear thick. But you must have enough hair to sew the weave into them. Weaves are a better option than wigs are they always stay on, and you can do activities like swimming, showering, and sleeping without taking them off. But the sewing process can cause damage to your natural hair, which is the main disadvantage of weaves.  

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil(Rogaine) is a topical medication used to slow hair loss and helps hair follicles grow new hair. You can apply this medicine to the scalp, and it may take four months to a year to produce significant results. The hair may often reappear if you stop taking the medicine, so use it under the supervision of a doctor. 

Minoxidil may also cause common side effects, such as dryness, irritation, burning, and scalp scaling. Visit a doctor if you see any unwanted effects of this medicine on your body. 

Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)

Finasteride, available as Propecia or Proscar, is an oral medication that can help slow hair loss in some men. It blocks the production of male hormones that are responsible for hair loss. The success rate of Finasteride is comparatively high than minoxidil. When you stop taking Finasteride, your hair loss may return. 

Finasteride may take three months to one year to show its results. If no hair growth occurs after using it for a year, then stop taking it and be aware of its side effects, such as-

• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Breast growth and tenderness
• Painful ejaculation
• Difficulty getting an erection
• Depression
• Pain in testicles
• Swelling 

Although it's rare, Finasteride can cause a risk of breast cancer. If you feel breast pain or lumps while taking Finasteride, please consult a doctor. Discuss all the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication. 

Hair transplants

It is among the most invasive and expensive treatments available for hair loss. In this procedure, the specialist removes hair from areas of the scalp with active growth. The surgeon transplants those hairs to the thinning or balding areas of your scalp. The procedure may include multiple treatments and carries the risk of scarring and infection. But a hair transplant can give you natural hair, and they are permanent. 

Counselling 

Going bald can be a big change in your appearance, and having it may also mentally affect you. You may have difficulty accepting your appearance, which can become trouble for you over time. You should seek counseling if you start experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other emotional issues because of male pattern baldness.

Until now, no known way can help you prevent male pattern baldness. But there is a theory that stress can contribute to hair loss as it can increase the production levels of sex hormones in the body. One can reduce stress by participating in stress-relieving activities. You can listen to calming music, walk, and enjoy quieter time to manage stress.