Androgenic Alopecia results in baldness in men, and is also called male pattern baldness. It is widely prevalent and more than 50 percent of all men over the age of 50 will be affected by alopecia. There are several causes of alopecia in men and research has pinpointed what causes male pattern baldness. The most common cause is genetic, with a family history of baldness. Research has also found that alopecia or male pattern baldness is associated with the male sex hormones called androgens.
Each hair on your head has a growth cycle and with male pattern baldness this cycle begins to weaken. Also, the hair follicle shrinks, resulting in shorter and finer strands of hair. Finally, the growth cycle for each hair ends and this means that no new hair grows in its place. Inherited male pattern baldness has no significant side effects.
However, sometimes, male pattern baldness may result from other more serious causes, such as certain medications, certain cancers, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids. If you are taking any medications or have any health complaints resulting in male pattern baldness, you need to see your doctor straight away.
Diagnosis of male pattern baldness is done by analysing the pattern of hair loss. Your doctor will perform a medical history and exam to rule out certain conditions as the cause of male pattern baldness. These may include nutritional disorders or fungal conditions of the scalp.There are several male pattern baldness stages. These include a receding hairline, a thinning crown, and diffuse thinning.
Certain health conditions may be a cause of male pattern baldness. This is especially so if you suffer from a rash, redness, peeling of the scalp, patchy hair loss, hair breakage, or an unusual pattern of hair loss. Your doctor may perform a skin biopsy or blood tests to diagnose any disorders that may be causing the alopecia.
Some Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness
There are several male pattern baldness treatments available. The earlier you treat male pattern baldness, the better. Some of these treatments are:
1) Hair replacement or transplantation: Hair replacement treatment involves transplanting hairs from the back and side of your head onto your crown, hairline, or other areas of hair loss. When performed by a skilled surgeon, hair transplant surgery can restore your hairline and can almost completely eliminate any visible signs of hair loss. Like many other cosmetic surgeries, hair transplant surgery is extremely effective.
2) Micropigmentation to resemble a shaven scalp: This is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can change the pigment of your scalp. It creates the appearance of small, short hairs, and a fuller head of hair. Although this procedure may make it seem like you have a thicker head of hair, it does not restore any real hair follicles.
3) Hairpieces: While these will not restore your real hair, hairpieces and weaves can be very effective if you need to fill in thin spots and cover up your hair loss for important events and occasions.
4) Minoxidil solution: This is a topical medication that stimulates hair growth. It stimulates your hair follicles to enter the growth phase and increases blood flow to your hair. This helps to transport essential nutrients to your hair follicles. Minoxidil does not affect the production of Dihydrotesterone (DHT), an endogenous, androgen sex steroid and hormone, and has no effect on your production of hormones. It is backed up by several scientific studies that show a significant increase in hair growth after several months of use.
5) Finasteride tablets: This is a medication that prevents male pattern baldness at a hormonal level. It inhibits the production of 5-Alpha Reductase, which is the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT within your body. Studies show that finasteride can lower DHT levels by almost 72 percent, when taken as a hair loss prevention dose. As well as stopping further hair loss, the daily use of finasteride can also cause some of the lost hair to gradually regrow over time. However, while finasteride is approved by the FDA, it does have certain side effects. It is imperative that you consult your doctor before beginning this treatment.
6) Hair Loss Supplements or Products: Several non-pharmaceutical products and supplements are available to slow down, prevent, or treat hair loss in men. Saw Palmetto is one such product. It is not as effective as finasteride but does slow down the production of DHT and is especially effective in men who are sensitive to DHT. Another product is Biotin. While Biotin does not directly prevent hair loss it is linked to the improvement in hair growth. It is available as an oral supplement or as an ingredient in hair loss prevention shampoos. Another product is a hair loss prevention shampoo. These are several such shampoos available in the market and contain proven ingredients, such as biotin, ketoconazole, and saw palmetto. All of these can be extremely beneficial for your hair.
While these are only a few of the treatments for alopecia or male pattern baldness, you should consult with a skilled cosmetic surgeon for a comprehensive and complete list of the different treatments available to treat your male pattern baldness.
It is important that you consult a skilled cosmetic surgeon to treat your male pattern baldness. Dr. S. Suma, of Prettyu.com, is one such cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon. She is based in Hyderabad, India and is adept at treating male pattern baldness. She is aware of the very latest in treatments and procedures and will work closely with you to offer you a treatment or a combination of treatments for your specific alopecia condition.
Dr. S. Suma is not only a skilful surgeon, she is also extremely empathetic and an excellent communicator. She will answer all of your questions patiently and will not rush you at all when it comes to knowing everything about treating your male pattern baldness. She will understand you right from that vital first consultation and will continue to work with you through your entire treatment.
So, if you want to treat your male pattern baldness, do consult with Dr. S. Suma and come away with a fuller head of hair and loads of self-confidence, knowing that you’ve made the absolute right choice!
To know more about the treatment for androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness, as well as the other cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures that Dr. S. Suma performs, you can get in touch with her at +91 86 86 042 042 or email her at info@prettyu.com or visit her website at www.prettyu.com.
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