Androgenic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is the most widespread type of hair loss in men. Two-thirds of men in the U.S. will experience noticeable hair loss by age 35, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pattern baldness can also strike women but tends to be more subtle than in men. Treatments are available to stimulate hair growth and slow hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia.
History
Scientists once mistakenly believed that androgenetic alopecia was caused by an abundance of the male hormone, testosterone, reports the American Hair Loss Association. In actuality, it's a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone or DHT that causes pattern-baldness. DHT-sensitive hair follicles tend to shrink and have a reduced lifespan. Over time, the follicles stop producing hair. Genetics play a major a role in androgenetic alopecia, notes the AHLA.
Symptoms
Symptoms of male-pattern baldness typically begin with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown. Eventually the entire scalp is affected and the remaining hair forms a horseshoe pattern. Most women with androgenic alopecia experience an overall thinning of hair rather than well-defined areas of baldness, reports the AHLA.
Types
Minoxidil is available over-the-counter to treat androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil is massaged into the scalp twice a day to stimulate hair growth and minimize hair loss. New hair tends to be shorter and thinner.
Prescription-only finasteride, sold as Propecia, is an oral medication used exclusively to treat male-pattern baldness. Finasteride is not approved for female-pattern baldness. Finasteride may slow the rate of hair loss and possibly encourage new hair growth.
Massaging a few drops of essential oils such as sage, rosemary and peppermint into the scalp daily may promote hair growth, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC.
Hair transplantation procedures can help treat androgenetic alopecia when less invasive methods have failed. Hair transplants involve transferring hair to bald spots.
Anthralin, brand name Dritho-Scalp, is available by prescription as an ointment or cream to help fight androgenic alopecia. Anthralin is a tarry substance applied to the scalp daily for 10 to 30 minutes followed by shampooing.
Side Effects
Minoxidil and anthralin can be irritating to the scalp. In rare cases, finasteride may cause low libido and impair sexual function.
Essential oils can be toxic and should be mixed with carrier oils like jojoba or grapeseed before applying to scalp, cautions the UMMC.
Hair transplants can be painful and may leave an unnatural, patchy look. Complications associated with hair transplantation may include infection and excessive bleeding.
Time Frame
Minoxidl and Anthralin can take 12 weeks for new hair to appear. Finasteride and essential oils may take several months to stimulate new hair growth. It may take six to eight months for new hair to grow following hair transplant surgery.
References
- American Hair Loss Association: Types of Hair Loss
- MayoClinic.com: Hair Loss
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hair Disorders
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Mens Health: Hair Loss
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alopecia
- PubMed: Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata.
