Approximately 80 percent of men show the signs of male-pattern baldness by the age of 70, according to Mayo Clinic. Although the presence of baldness increases along with age, it normally begins much earlier. Men in their mid-twenties are at risk for the onset of premature balding. The rate of hair loss depends on heredity and race. According to May Clinic, white males are the most affected by baldness while men with Asian, Native American and African heritages are more immune.
Identification
Androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern-baldness, accounts for 95 percent of all hair-loss cases in males. Also called common baldness, androgenetic alopecia follows a specific pattern of loss in all men. First, men notice a receding hairline and the presence of a widow's peak. Shortly after, the crown starts to become thinner. In advanced stages, the entire top of the head is bald. Usually, hair continues to grow around the base of the head in a horseshoe shape.
Causes
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a by-product of the male hormone testosterone, causes male-pattern hair loss. DHT builds up in the hair follicles, discouraging hair growth in several ways. First, DHT blocks vital nutrients and minerals from reaching the dermal papilla, the blood-rich structure responsible for hair growth. Without adequate nutrition, the papilla can only produce weak hair at a slower rate of growth than normal. Additionally, DHT shrinks hair follicles. Eventually, the shrunken follicles pinch off hair completely, preventing future growth. DHT also turns into a waxy buildup in the follicles.
Onset
The chances of developing hair loss becomes greater with age. Across the board, men in their fifties have a 50 percent chance of balding. However, heredity determines the age and speed of progression among individuals. Men in their twenties can show signs of advanced hair loss, or premature balding, if they inherited the genetic trait from their parents. Most cases affect middle-aged to elderly white men, according to Mayo Clinic.
Effects
Most of the problems associated with balding are psychological. Hair loss affects self-esteem, self-image and individuality. Although it is considered a cosmetic enhancement by most, hair also provides several physical functions. It protects the scalp against sunburn and insulates the body from cold temperatures.
Treatments
Two medications are used to treat premature baldness: minoxidil and finasteride. Both slow hair loss and stimulate some regrowth. However, neither reverses baldness nor restores all of the hair that has been lost. The only way to restore hair to a bald head is through surgical intervention. Hair transplants implant hair into affected areas. Scalp-reduction procedures remove sections of bald scalp and pull hair-growing sections closer together.
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