Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
Male pattern baldness is a common type of hair loss that affects people assigned males at birth. It happens in seven stages. The first signs usually appear in your 30s, but some people notice them as early as their late teens. Treatments include medicine, hair transplants, platelet-rich plasma, and styling tricks.
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a type of hair loss that affects people assigned to males at birth (AMAB). It causes hair to thin or fall out on the scalp, and the hair doesn't grow back. Other signs include a receding hairline and overall thinning hair.
Male pattern baldness progresses through seven stages on the Hamilton-Norwood scale:
- Stage 1: Little or no hair loss or recession of the hairline.
- Stage 2: Slight hair loss near the temples, between the ears and forehead.
- Stage 3: Noticeable deep recession at the temples, with a hairline shaped like an "M" or "U".
- Stage 4: Deep hairline recession, with noticeable hair loss at the crown.
- Stage 5: The hairline recession connects with the bald spot on the crown.
- Stage 6: Hair between the temples and crown becomes thinner or disappears.
- Stage 7: No hair on the top of the head, with only a thin band of hair around the sides.
Symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness
Symptoms of male pattern baldness include:
- Thinning or loss of hair on the crown of your head.
- Thinning or loss of hair near your temples.
- A receding hairline.
Male pattern baldness is not painful. Many people notice the early stages in their 30s, though it can start as early as the late teenage years or early 20s.
Hair loss on the crown typically appears in a circular shape, while a receding hairline often forms an "M" shape. As hair lo
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
Several factors contribute to male pattern baldness:
- Age: The likelihood of developing male pattern baldness increases with age. Around 25% of people assigned male at birth notice hair loss before age 21. By age 50, half of them experience it, and about 70% will lose hair as they get older.
- Hormones: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen, is thought to play a role in male pattern baldness. Androgens are hormones that help with puberty and physical maturation, including hair growth. It’s believed that DHT can shrink hair follicles, contributing to hair loss.
- Penetics: People assigned male at birth inherit one X chromosome from their mother and one Y chromosome from their father. The AR gene on the X chromosome regulates androgen production. The sensitivity of this gene can influence whether or not male pattern baldness occurs.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
Risk factors
A number of factors can increase your risk of hair loss, including:
- A family history of balding on your mother's or father's side
- Age
- Significant weight loss
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and lupus
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
Tests for Diagnosing Male Pattern Baldness
To diagnose male pattern baldness, your healthcare provider may:
- Use a densitometer, a special tool that measures the thickness of your hair follicles.
If your healthcare provider suspects your hair loss may not be related to male pattern baldness, they may conduct additional tests, such as:
- Examining your scalp for signs of infection.
- Taking a hair sample and sending it to a lab for analysis.
- Performing a scalp biopsy to check for skin conditions.
- Conducting blood tests to rule out other causes of hair loss.
Medications and Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness
Treatment options for male pattern baldness include:
- Medications:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine®): An over-the-counter treatment applied to the scalp. It's often the first choice for treatment. Side effects may include headache, scalp irritation, and unusual hair growth.
- Finasteride (Propecia®): A prescription oral medication that helps treat male pattern baldness. Side effects may include allergic reactions, testicular pain, and erectile dysfunction.
- Hair Transplant: A procedure where a healthcare provider moves skin grafts with healthy hair from one part of your body to areas with thinning or no hair. Side effects may include scalp pain, irritation, scarring, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Blood is drawn from your body, processed, and then injected into your scalp to encourage hair growth. Side effects may include scalp pain, irritation, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Styling Techniques: You can use specific hairstyles, wigs, or hair weaves to conceal baldness.
How to Help Prevent Male Pattern Baldness
While there is no known way to fully prevent male pattern baldness, there are steps you can take to help keep your hair healthy, which may promote hair growth:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Eating extra protein is important, especially if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Aim for 40 to 60 grams of protein daily. The Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, and protein, may also help reduce hair loss.
- Take Vitamins and Minerals: Certain vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as zinc and iron, are essential for healthy hair, skin, and muscle tissue.
- Manage Stress: Stress can potentially contribute to hair loss by affecting androgen activity. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress, such as through relaxation techniques, exercise, or hobbies, may help protect against hair loss.
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