Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia (al-oh-PEE-shya), is a genetic form of hair loss seen in almost 75% of the male population. 40 million men in the United States suffer from pattern hair loss. Since it is a genetic form of hair loss, external or environmental factors are not a cause for this type of male baldness.
At What Age Does Male Pattern Baldness Start?
The age of onset for male pattern baldness is not the same for everyone. Although most men begin male pattern baldness after age 25, some men discover receding hairlines as early as the mid-teenage years.
About 25% of men begin hair loss by age 30, and about 65% will experience balding by age 60. By age 80 years of age, 75% of all men have signs of genetic hair loss.
How Does Hair Loss Occur?
Most men find it surprising that the trigger for pattern baldness is an overabundance of the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). For those who are genetically predisposed for hair loss, DHT begins a process of follicular miniaturization, or shrinkage of the hair follicle. The hair follicle shaft is slowly shrunk until the hair no longer grows and eventually falls out altogether.
The “pattern” of male baldness is different for each individual. Generally, men notice a receding hairline beginning at the lateral sides of the forehead. Some men begin hair loss not at the forehead, but at the top of the head at the vertex. In any case, hair loss slowly spreads to form a “pattern” of loss on the top of the head in the general shape of a horseshoe. Some men experience complete hair loss, while others only have loss at the top of the scalp, resulting in the famed “donut cut” hair style.
Psychological Effects of Male Pattern Baldness
Many men feel negative psychological effect of pattern baldness, such as reduced self-confidence in their appearance, and even feeling less attractive to women. Some men even experience depression because of the loss of hair. Of course, effects are different for each individual.
Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness
Researchers have been studying for years on how to reverse genetic hair loss. In many cases, it is reversible, but treatment must continue indefinitely or the re-grown hair will be lost again. Here are some of the most popular treatments:
• Topical – Creams like Rogaine can be rubbed on the affected hair loss area. Creams seem to be most effective in men who have smaller amounts of hair loss.
• Pharmaceutical – This can be a costly form of treatment, but more men experience positive results from drug therapy.
• Transplants – Many men consult a hair transplant specialist and have hair restored manually. Transplant techniques vary, and if not performed properly, the result could look very un-natural.
• Shave it! – In the recent last two decades, men have begun a social movement of simply shaving the entire head when hair begins to recede. This result is a socially acceptable and natural “bald” look that many men find easy to maintain and women find attractive.
