Male Pattern Baldness – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments

Male pattern baldness , also called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. According to the US National Library of Medicine (NLM), more than 50 percent of all men over the age of 50 will not be affected by male pattern baldness to some extent. What causes male pattern baldness ? One of the causes of male pattern baldness is genetics, or you have a family history of baldness.

Research has found that male pattern baldness is associated with male sex hormones called androgens. Androgens have many functions, including regulating hair growth. Every hair on your head has a growth cycle. With male pattern baldness , this growth cycle begins to weaken and the hair follicle shrinks, producing shorter, finer strands of hair. Eventually, the growth cycle for each hair ends and no new hair grows in its place.

Male pattern baldness usually has no medical effects. However, baldness sometimes has more serious causes, such as certain cancers, medications, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids. See your doctor if hair loss occurs after taking new medications or when it’s accompanied by other health problems. So, now know more about,  Male Pattern Baldness – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments.

Risk Factors: Male pattern baldness can start in your teens, but more commonly occurs in adult men. probability increases with age. Genetics play a big role. Men who have close relatives with Male Pattern Baldness  are at a higher risk. This is particularly true when your relatives are on the maternal side of the family. See also How to get rid of baldness in 30 days with a 100% Natural and No Effects method…

Hair Loss Symptoms:  If your hair loss starts at your temples or the crown of your head, you may have Male Pattern Baldness . Some men will have a single bald spot. Others experience their strands retreating to form an “M” shape. In some men, the hairline will continue to recede until all or most of the hair is gone.

Hair Loss Treatment:  Medical treatment for Male Pattern Baldness  is not necessary if other health conditions are not a cause. However, treatments are available for men who are unhappy with the way they look and would like a fuller head of hair appearance.

Hairstyles:  Men with limited male pattern baldness can sometimes hide hair loss with the right haircut or hairstyle. Ask your stylist for a creative cut that will make your hair look fuller.

Wigs:  Wigs can cover thinning hair or complete male pattern baldness . They come in a variety of styles, colors and textures. For a natural look, choose colors, styles and textures that look similar to your original hair. Professional wig stylists can help you choose the right one for your look and style. See also How to get rid of baldness in 30 days with a 100% Natural and No Effects method…

Minoxidil (Rogaine):  Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical medication applied to the scalp. Minoxidil delays male pattern baldness for some men and stimulates hair follicles to grow new hair. Minoxidil takes four months to a year to produce visible results. Hair loss often happens again when you stop taking the medication.
Possible side effects associated with minoxidil include dryness, irritation, burning and scaling of the scalp. You should visit your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Weight gain.
• Swelling of the face, hands, ankles or abdomen.
• Difficulty breathing when lying down.
• Accelerated heartbeat.
• Chest pain.
• Breathing difficult.

Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar): Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) is an oral medication that reduces male pattern baldness in some men. It works by blocking the production of the male hormone responsible for hair loss. Finasteride has a higher success rate than minoxidil. When you stop taking finasteride, the hair loss returns.
It is necessary to take finasteride between three months to a year before you see results. If you don’t have hair growth after a year, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking the medication. Finasteride side effects include:

• depression .
• Itch.
• Rash.
• Urticaria.
• Mastalgia.
• Breast growth.
• Swelling of the face or lips.
• Painful ejaculation.
• Pain in the testicles.
• Difficulty getting an erection.

Although rare, finasteride can cause breast cancer. You should have any breast pain or lumps evaluated by a doctor right away.

Hair Transplants:  A hair transplant is the most invasive and expensive treatment for Male Pattern Baldness . Hair transplants work by removing hair from areas of the scalp that have active hair growth and transplanting them to bald areas of your scalp. Multiple treatments are often necessary, and the procedure carries the risk of scarring and infection. See also How to get rid of baldness in 30 days with a 100% Natural and No Effects method…

Preventing Hair Loss:  There is no known way to prevent Male Pattern Baldness . One theory is that stress can cause hair loss by increasing levels of sex hormone production in the body. You can reduce stress by participating in relaxing activities, such as walking, listening to calming music, and enjoying quieter time.