Male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition that does not cause any true damage but may affect the self-esteem of the individual experiencing it. According to Medline Plus, male pattern baldness is the No. 1 cause of hair loss in men.
Biology
Hair growth normally occurs in cycles, with about an inch of hair emerging from the scalp every one to two months. The hair spends two to six years growing, pauses its growth for a few months, and then falls out. The hair grows out of a follicle set deeply inside the scalp, and male pattern baldness typically sees a shrinkage of these follicles to the point where they can no longer support hair growth. This process occurs gradually.
Pattern
Male pattern baldness follows a specific pattern in most cases. The loss of hair begins at the hairline above the temples and simultaneously at the crown of the head. As the hair loss accelerates, the hair forms a pattern that looks like the letter "m." Later, the growing areas of baldness meet in the middle to create a horseshoe pattern. Eventually the pattern progresses to total or near-total baldness.
Causes
The causes of male pattern baldness have not been definitively established. The male hormone dihydrotestosterone causes hair follicles to shrink and may be a cause of male pattern baldness. A gene called AR may provide a genetic component to the development of male pattern baldness. AR produces androgen receptor, a protein that operates in hair follicles to help dihydrotestosterone bind to them properly. Because both genetic and environmental factors are likely involved, there is no way to accurately predict who will develop male pattern baldness. However, having a family member with the disorder does increase the risk of developing it.
Drug Treatment
Two types of drugs can treat male pattern baldness. Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine, is applied as a topical solution and stimulates the failing hair follicles to grow new hair and slow the loss of the hair that remains. Finasteride, sold as Propecia or Proscar, is available by prescription and is taken orally in pill form. Finasteride slows loss and encourages new growth by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone.
Other Treatments
Hair transplants are used by some men to disguise hair loss. This procedure involves transplanting plugs of hair from other areas of the body to the head. Since male pattern baldness does not lead to any other medical complications, treatment is not necessary, but it can be used to help men who are self-conscious about the way their thinning hair looks. Hiding hair loss through the use of hairpieces or a change in hairstyle are other options that men experiencing male pattern baldness may try.
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