Hair loss is a common problem among men. As we know, hair loss can occur depending on many various factors. However, androgenetic alopecia—commonly known as male pattern baldness—makes up more than 95 per cent of hair loss in men.
Two-thirds of men experience male pattern baldness by the age of thirty-five. This number goes even higher in older men. Approximately 85 per cent of men lose their hair due to male pattern baldness by the age of fifty. Statistics also show that men start to experience the effects of male pattern baldness before they reach their mid-twenties.
Although it is widespread, hair loss still causes frustration among men. Most men would do anything to stop going bald.
Hair loss can affect interpersonal relationships and the professional lives of those who are experiencing it. Some men even change their careers because of it.
Causes of Male Pattern Hair Loss
Although many variables could trigger it, male pattern baldness is a genetic condition in its essence. Patients with male pattern baldness inherit hair follicles that are genetically sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone. DHT can easily affect these hair follicles, causing them to shrink in size. Shrunken hair follicles start to produce thinner strands, which are prone to falling out.
Male pattern baldness manifests itself at the hairline and the crown area at first. The reason why it starts at these areas is that the hair follicles in these areas are more susceptible to DHT hormone. As this condition progresses, baldness becomes more apparent throughout the entire scalp.
The DHT hormone, which is the leading actor of this condition, is actually derived from testosterone. Suppressing this hormone can help hair follicles to return to their normal state. However, this requires early diagnosis and precautions.
Our experienced medical hair loss experts can diagnose if you have male pattern baldness. To do that, they first check the state of your hair loss and then your medical history. As we have said before, an early diagnosis is critical for your treatment.
Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss
Advancements in medicine now enable patients to slow down or even stop their male pattern baldness with medication. You can manage your hair loss with the help of drugs such as finasteride and minoxidil. It is important to note, however, that these medications also come with some side effects. These side effects include the following:
- loss of interest in sex, abnormal ejaculation, and not being able to orgasm
- dizziness
- headache
- skin rashes
- flu-like symptoms
- swelling in some areas such as hands, feet, and breasts
- fatigue
You can always go for the option of a hair transplant if you wish to regain your healthy hair but avoid these side effects.
Patients who have advanced male pattern baldness usually prefer having hair transplant as this is the most effective method for treating advanced hair loss. We can provide you with more information regarding this option. Feel free to contact us if you want to learn more about hair transplants and their prices.