Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition that affects millions of men, causing thinning hair and eventual hair loss on the top and front of the head. The condition is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.

Causes of male pattern baldness

The exact cause of male pattern baldness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. The condition is believed to be caused by the interaction of hormones called androgens with hair follicles. Androgens are male sex hormones that are present in both men and women, but they are more dominant in men.

In men with male pattern baldness, the hair follicles are sensitive to the effects of androgens, particularly the androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When the hair follicles are exposed to DHT, they become smaller and weaker, resulting in thinning hair and eventual hair loss.

It's important to note that not all men with high levels of androgens or DHT will develop male pattern baldness. The condition is thought to be strongly influenced by genetics, meaning that it tends to run in families. If you have a family history of male pattern baldness, you may be at higher risk of developing the condition yourself.

Symptoms of male pattern baldness

Symptoms of male pattern baldness typically begin to appear in men in their twenties or thirties. The hair gradually begins to thin and recede, first at the temples and then at the top of the head. In some cases, the hair loss can be more severe, with a noticeable bald spot developing on the top of the head.

In addition to thinning hair and hair loss, men with male pattern baldness may also experience other symptoms, such as:

• An increase in the amount of hair shedding or shedding of large clumps of hair

• A gradual widening of the part in the hair, or a receding hairline

• A thinning or balding crown or top of the head

• A general thinning of the hair on the scalp, leading to a decrease in overall hair density

Diagnosing male pattern baldness

If you're experiencing symptoms of male pattern baldness, it's important to consult a dermatologist. They can help to diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment options for your specific needs. 

To diagnose male pattern baldness, your doctor or dermatologist will typically perform a physical examination of your scalp, looking for signs of thinning hair and hair loss. They may also order blood tests to check your levels of androgens and other hormones.

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a scalp biopsy, in which a small sample of skin and hair is taken from the scalp and examined under a microscope. This can help to confirm the diagnosis of male pattern baldness and rule out other possible causes of hair loss.

Treatment options for male pattern baldness

If you're struggling with male pattern baldness, you may be looking for effective treatments and solutions to help slow or stop the hair loss. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available, including:

Medications: The most common and effective treatment for male pattern baldness is the use of medications, such as finasteride and minoxidil. These medications work by blocking the hormones that cause hair loss, and they can help to slow or stop the progression of male pattern baldness.

Finasteride is a medication that is taken orally, typically once daily. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which can help to prevent the hair loss associated with male pattern baldness. Finasteride has been shown to be effective in slowing or stopping hair loss in men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness, and it may also help to promote hair regrowth in some cases.

Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a topical medication that is applied directly to the scalp. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help to stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is available in both a liquid and foam form, and it is typically used twice daily. Like finasteride, minoxidil has been shown to be effective in slowing or stopping hair loss in men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness, and it may also help to promote hair regrowth in some cases.

While medications like finasteride and minoxidil can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, it's important to note that they don't work for everyone. Some men may not experience any improvement in their hair loss with these medications, while others may experience only partial improvements. It's also important to continue using these medications even after hair loss has stopped, as stopping treatment can result in further hair loss.

In addition to medication, there are several other treatment options available for male pattern baldness. These include:

• Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can also help to slow or stop the progression of male pattern baldness. For example, reducing stress and avoiding tight hairstyles that can cause hair loss can help to improve the health of your hair. In addition, eating a healthy diet and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can also help to support healthy hair growth.

• Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgical procedures, such as hair transplantation, may be recommended to help restore hair growth. These procedures involve transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another, to create a fuller, thicker head of hair.

• There are several different techniques used in hair transplantation, including follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS), follicular unit extraction (FUE), and scalp reduction. In FUSS, a strip of scalp containing hair follicles is removed from the back of the head and transplanted to the balding areas. In FUE, individual hair follicles are removed from the back of the head and transplanted to the balding areas. And in scalp reduction, the balding areas of the scalp are removed and the remaining scalp is stretched to cover the balding areas.

• While surgical procedures like hair transplantation can be effective in restoring hair growth, it's important to note that they are not without risks. Complications can include infection, scarring, and uneven hair growth. In addition, hair transplantation is typically an elective procedure, which means that it is not covered by health insurance.

Takeaway: Support hair regrowth for healthy & stronger hair 

Male pattern baldness is a common condition that affects millions of men, causing thinning hair and eventual hair loss on the top and front of the head. While the condition is natural and common, it can be a source of anxiety and distress. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available for male pattern baldness, including medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical procedures. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for male pattern baldness, you can take steps to slow or stop the progression of hair loss, and enjoy a fuller, healthier head of hair.