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for Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss in males. It usually happens due to changes in the men's hormonal levels during their lifetime, especially in the later years. Though hair loss is a natural part of the aging process, the condition becomes psychologically distressing if it starts in your early twenties. Sometimes, sudden or unexpected hair loss might occur due to an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed immediately. The condition has been named male pattern baldness because hair loss occurs in a specific pattern on the top and front of the head.

Male pattern baldness is a combined effect of three main factors: genetics, age, and hormones. Studies report that androgen, the male sex hormone, is associated with male pattern baldness. Each hair strand on the head has a specific growth cycle and is present in a tiny hole or a cavity known as the follicle. The problem arises when this hair growth cycle weakens, and the hair follicles shrink, producing shorter and finer strands of hair. Over time growth cycle for each hair ends, and no hair grows in its place resulting in male pattern baldness. Sometimes male pattern baldness can occur due to cancer, medications, thyroid diseases, and anabolic steroids.

You might wonder about male pattern baldness if you notice that your hair is becoming thin. It is common for males in their 40s and 50s to lose some hair, but the problem arises when you lose hair from the temple or the crown of the head. The classical sign of male pattern baldness is that the hairline gradually recedes and forms an "M" shape. If you are in the early stage of the condition, you might see some loss in volume and patchiness. However, if you are in the later stages of the disease, you can see your scalp through your hair.

Currently, there is no cure for male pattern baldness. Some men accept it as a part of the aging process, whereas others become distressed and are unhappy with their lives. No medical treatment is required if hair loss is not associated with other medical conditions. However, people who are disappointed with their hair loss can undergo treatments that manage hair loss, but there is no permanent solution for male pattern baldness. Despite the decades of research, no magic pill is available to cure male pattern baldness. However, medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride can be taken to slow hair loss in some males.

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Though male pattern baldness is a common condition, little has been known about its medications and treatment measures. So, unlike other diseases, not many over-the-counter medications are available to manage male pattern baldness. However, Minoxidil is available over-the-counter in liquid foam and shampoo forms to treat male pattern baldness. So, look for hair care products containing Minoxidil as it helps people regrow their hairs or slows down the rate of hair loss. The patient can see the results after six months, but some more months will be required to decide whether the treatment is effective or not. However, discuss the problem with your doctor instead of using over-the-counter medications to know the best possible solution.

Treatment for male pattern baldness depends upon the causes and the underlying medical condition you are suffering from. Sometimes, the hair might regrow without treatment, or if you stop taking the medication responsible for hair loss. However, medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride, hair transplant surgery, and laser therapy might help you reverse male pattern baldness or slow down the rate of hair loss. In addition, using wigs, hair extensions, and styling products that add volume to your hair might be helpful. However, if you are confused and feel baldness is affecting your daily life, consult your doctor soon.

The time of development of male pattern baldness varies from one individual to the other. It is normal for males to lose hair in their 50s and 60s, so there is no specific time when a person would go bald. Typically, it takes around 15 to 25 years to develop baldness, but it can also occur quickly. However, males are more vulnerable to developing baldness if the condition runs in their families. You might observe that you are losing your hair when you enter your 20s or 30s if you have genetic male pattern baldness.

There are limited treatment options for male pattern baldness, but the doctors recommend 5 Percentage Minoxidil as the best treatment. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and has depicted clinically significant results. The drug has stopped shedding and allows hair regrowth. It is readily available in stores as liquid foam and shampoo. Apply the Minoxidil product to the scalp skin twice daily to achieve the best results. However, the results will not be visible in a day and will take around six months or more.

It is a common myth that males become bald because they inherit the baldness genes from their parents. However, the exact genetics of male pattern baldness remains undiscovered. The studies report that it is a polygenic condition meaing that involves more than one gene. Usually, humans contain 23 pairs of chromosomes that determine their biological sex and genetic information. These chromosomes are labeled X and Y. Typically, males inherit X chromosomes from their mothers and Y from their fathers. Baldness is usually associated with the AR gene in the X chromosome, and people with this gene are at twice the risk of developing male pattern baldness than the ones without it.