According to the MayoClinic website, androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness, is an inherited type of hair loss that sees a gradual thinning on the top of the head. Over 50 percent of men suffer from this type of hair loss in their lives. The androgen, dihydrotestosterone, induces 95 percent of the hair loss by causing hair follicles to slowly close over, notes Medical News Today.
There are a number of effective treatments available to help with androgenetic alopecia.
Finasteride
Finasteride, commercial name Propecia, is a prescription medicine that comes in 1 mg pills taken once daily. MayoClinic reports that Propecia is effective at stopping further hair loss in most cases and some men may experience some re-growth after several months. It works by reducing the amount of DHT in the body by stopping testosterone converting into it.
Minoxidil
Used to treat early or mild hair loss, Minoxidil is a foam or lotion that is purchased without prescription. Massaging this product into your scalp twice a day, Minoxidil can stop further hair loss and encourage some regrowth after 12 weeks of use, notes MayoClinic. As the hair follicles have miniaturized, closed up, re-grown hair is often considerably thinner than the hair it replaces.
Surgical
MayoClinic reports hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery as possible treatments for more advanced stages of male pattern baldness. Hair transplants involve cutting out small plugs of hair covered scalp from the back or sides of the head and placing them in areas where hair has been lost. Scalp reduction surgery involves cutting out as much of the bald area as possible and stretching hair covered scalp over the gap left.
Side Effects
As an over-the-counter treatment the side effects of Minoxidil are relatively mild but it has been known to cause irritation and drying of the skin. Propecia is a drug to be taken by men only and should not even be handled by women, as it can cause birth defects. MayoClinic notes that Propecia may reduce the sex drive. Hair transplant and reduction surgeries are painful and can cause scarring.
Considerations
Although uncommon, androgenetic alopecia can affect women too. Hair loss can sometimes be temporary and be caused by factors like poor nutrition, stress or disease, among others. If you are experiencing hair loss make a consultation with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis of your condition.
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