Understanding Male Pattern Baldness: Causes and Treatment Options at NIS

Male pattern baldness is a prevalent cause of hair loss among men worldwide, affecting nearly 62% of males aged 20 to 40 years. It typically commences with hair loss at the frontal or crown area and follows a distinct progression. Experts have identified nine stages through which male pattern baldness advances. The primary culprit behind this condition is the influence of androgens on hair follicles. Additionally, lifestyle factors like poor nutrition, stress, smoking, and others can exacerbate hair loss in male pattern baldness. This article delves into the causes, risk factors, and treatment modalities aimed at preventing hair loss and managing male pattern baldness effectively.

What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness, also referred to as androgenetic alopecia, manifests initially as hair loss at the frontal side, resulting in a receding hairline. Thinning of hair occurs as the gaps between strands widen, eventually exposing the scalp. Hair around the temples and crown region may become finer or vellus before disappearing entirely in advanced stages, leaving only a band of hair at the back and sides of the head.

Who’s at Risk of Developing Male Pattern Baldness?

Men with a family history of baldness are at an increased risk of developing male pattern baldness. Those genetically predisposed to this condition may begin experiencing hair loss in their late teens or early twenties, with visible signs of baldness emerging by their thirties.

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness primarily stems from the action of male hormones on hair follicles, leading to their destruction in genetically susceptible individuals. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, inadequate sleep, dehydration, smoking, and stress can exacerbate hair loss and contribute to the progression of male pattern baldness.

Common triggers for genetically predisposed baldness in men include emotional stress, erratic dietary habits, low water intake, sleep disturbances, an irregular lifestyle, the use of certain medications, and anabolic steroid supplements.

What are the Treatment Options to Deal with Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness and associated hair loss pose significant concerns for affected individuals, given the emotional and psychological significance of hair. Various treatments and techniques have been explored over the years to address hair loss and prevent baldness. While traditional remedies like herbal oils and physical exercises have been proposed, modern treatments primarily target the action of male hormones and prostaglandins. Hair transplant emerges as a popular and effective long-term solution for restoring scalp coverage in male pattern baldness. Let’s explore the available treatment options:

DHT Blockers: Medications that block the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone implicated in hair loss, are prescribed to mitigate male pattern baldness. These include pharmacological forms like finpecia, propecia, and finasteride, as well as natural forms like green tea and Serenoa repens extracts.

Minoxidil: Topical minoxidil stimulates hair growth, primarily in men under 40 years of age. While it enhances blood flow to affected hair roots, it does not cure baldness but may offer temporary improvement. Discontinuing minoxidil application can lead to hair shedding, as the hair becomes dependent on its effects.

Hair Wigs: Wigs provide an instant solution for restoring hair density and can be tailored to individual preferences in terms of style, type, and budget. Some clinics offer professionally crafted wigs made from chemically treated human hair, providing a natural appearance and various attachment options.

Hair Thickening Fibre: This temporary camouflage method involves applying micro hair fibers to thinning hair, imparting a fuller and natural look.

Surgical Hair Transplant: Hair transplant surgery offers a permanent solution to male pattern baldness by grafting hair onto bald patches. It can be performed using the Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) methods, with FUE being less invasive and not requiring scalp incisions.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

While male pattern baldness follows a predictable pattern, sudden hair loss may signal underlying issues such as

• • medical conditions
  • chemotherapy treatments
  • medications
  • scalp infections
  • mental stress

Are There Any Complications From Male Pattern Baldness?

While male pattern baldness itself may not indicate serious illness, it may increase the risk of conditions like diabetes, coronary heart disease, or prostate cancer in affected individuals.

Hair Loss Treatment Results for Men

Hair loss treatments typically yield positive results in controlling hair loss. DHT blockers help maintain hair in good condition, while minoxidil promotes hair growth with regular use. Hair wigs offer a natural-looking solution, while surgical hair transplants provide a permanent fix, restoring natural hair growth and boosting confidence.

In essence, understanding the causes and available treatment options for male pattern baldness empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards managing their hair health effectively.