What Causes Male Pattern Baldness ( androgenic alopecia )
When it comes to the most common form of hair loss in men, androgenic alopecia (also known as "male pattern baldness") is also one of the most dreaded. The typical signs and symptoms associated with male pattern baldness include receding hairlines and hair thinning on the crown. Usually, it is an imbalance of hormones or a genetic predisposition that is responsible for the condition. In men, the condition is passed down from the father. It is also believed that in addition to genetic research, scientists may benefit from an exploration in the role of environmental factors playing an important part in causing men to suffer from androgenic alopecia.
A normal growth pattern for hair involves growth that measures about an inch for every couple of months. Each hair enters a cycle of growth that lasts for two to six years, which then remains a certain length for a short period of time, and then falls out. Soon after, a new hair begins to grow in its place. For some, at any one time, up to 85% of hair on the head is in a growing phase, while the other 15% has completed their growth cycle and will soon fall out to make room for a new hair follicle to grow.
Male pattern baldness disrupts this natural process and causes new hairs to grow less frequently, shorter, or thinner. The follicle in which each hair grows from also begins to shrink over time. In the end, the follicle may become so small that no hair is able to emerge.
The typical pattern that male baldness follows starts at the hairline, where the shape of an "M" begins to take place. The remaining hair becomes finer and shorter, eventually becoming thinner at the crown. Over time, the top of the hairline meets with the thinned crown, taking the shape of a horseshoe pattern of hair that shows around the sides of the head. Male pattern baldness may also occur in patches, cause overall shedding of the hair, as well as hair shaft breakage.
Doctors will diagnosis androgenic alopecia based upon sight and the pattern in which the hair loss follows. In some cases, a skin biopsy or other tests may take place in order to rule out any other possible causes of hair loss. Once androgenic alopecia is diagnosed, a man faces many different treatment and solution options. A great amount of male pattern baldness patients have responded well to hair weaving, hairpieces, hair plugs, revitalizing shampoos, medication, and hairstyle variations that aim to conceal or lessen the appearance of hair loss.
As for prescription methods, there are two primary drugs used to treat androgenic alopecia: minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Rogaine is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp in an effort to stimulate hair follicles. In many men, hair loss slows down, while some lucky users are able to promote new hair growth. Propecia is a prescription pill that slows down the production of the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for hair loss in some men.
Overall, while male pattern baldness threatens the ego and self esteem of a man, it is not a life-threatening condition. The good news is that there are many different medical and non-medical solutions that allow men to either conceal or treat their hair loss under their own discretion.
