Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is something that many people, especially men, have to deal with at some point in their lives.
Androgenic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. More than a third of adult males are affected by this condition according to the National Institutes of Health. Mostly, men who seek hair transplants and other restorative treatment suffer from male pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is a condition where the hair on the scalp gradually recedes, producing a characteristic “M” shape. The condition can affect men of any age but usually starts at about 30 years old. Male pattern baldness affects around 50% of all males by age 40 and two-thirds of them by age 60.
There are no known causes for male pattern baldness, although some people believe it may be genetic or caused by hormones that have been linked to other conditions, such as prostate cancer. Treatment options include medication for severe cases, hair transplants, and surgery.
More than 50% of all male pattern baldness cases are hereditary according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The AAD also states that it can be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, or health conditions. Thus, lupus or thyroid disease can cause androgenic alopecia.
Male pattern baldness may affect people differently — some might lose only their crowns while others experience full-on receding hairlines. Whatever your case, there are ways to slow down or stop the process with treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.
Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a condition that affects men in which the hairline recedes. Eventually, the thinning of hair on top of the head can lead to complete baldness.
Male pattern baldness is due to sensitivity in the blood for male sex hormones such as testosterone. Continued hormone exposure can cause shrinkage of hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp. Thus, it can lead to permanent closure and prevent new hair growth from taking place.
Aside from hormones, men suffer from male pattern baldness because of age and genes. The genetic factor contributes to the gradual shrinkage of the tiny cavities in the skin at the base of hairs. When this happens, the hair will grow progressively shorter and finer until no new hairs grow.
Based on the age and genetic makeup of white men, they tend to develop some degree of male pattern baldness. Having said that, it affects up to half of all white men by the age of 50 years. Moreover, up to 80% of men in the same group suffer from baldness by the age of 70 years. When men in their first- and second-degree relatives suffer from hair loss, then you have a high chance of losing hair too.
Male pattern baldness is caused by excess dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone. It blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Thus, it can cause hair follicles to shrink.
Dihydrotestosterone falls under the class of male sex hormones (androgens). These androgens perform many functions. The main job of these male sex hormones is regulating hair growth. In the case that you have excess androgens, it can cause more hair to grow on your body. This is the reason why some men have hair on their faces and body. However, it can also be the root cause of why your hair falls out on the head.
Typically, the lasting impact of hair loss occurs because of the shrinkage of hair follicles. Oftentimes, this happens due to a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone. If that is the case, MPB occurs because men inherit hair follicles that are sensitive to DHT. Thus, DHT makes them shrink over time.
As the shrinkage occurs, hair follicles produce fewer hairs. Contrary to what you know, a single hair follicle does not produce one hair. Instead, most hair follicles produce many hairs. In fact, it can produce as many as five hairs in one follicle.
When the DHT-sensitive follicles produce fewer hairs, then that scalp area appears to be thinning out. Eventually, these hair follicles may only produce thinner, shorter, or finer hair. Or, they will entirely stop producing hair.
Again, every MPB case is different from another. Most men begin to experience this type of hair loss with a thinning spot at the crown of their heads. In these areas, it is believed that it contains DHT-sensitive follicles. That is why it is most often affected by male pattern baldness.
Over time, most men are left with the classic “horseshoe” pattern. Although, some men experience hair loss on the back and sides of the head as well.
Have you seen a distinctive “M” shape in your receding hairline? This is a big sign that you are experiencing male pattern baldness. Not to mention the thinning hair at the crown of your head. However, you do not know what causes your hair loss.
Ultimately, the best way to identify the root cause of male pattern baldness is to consult a hair loss specialist. At the Hair Transplant Center – New Jersey, we will consult with you about the cause of your problem. Moreover, we will identify whether you can expect your hair to regrow on its own.
Yet, if natural hair regrowth is not an option, we’ll discuss what hair restoration treatment is right for you. If you have any questions or want to set up a free consultation, contact us today!
Whether it is a receding hairline, a bald spot, or thinning hair, it often strikes a major blow to your self-esteem. However, it is not a disease or condition. Thus, it can be treated by talking to your doctor about hair loss treatments, including medication for male pattern baldness.
With male pattern baldness, there is something you can do to reverse or stop your hair loss problem. The Hair Transplant Center – New Jersey surgeons are here to help you. We are proud to be the top choice for pro athletes, celebrities, and actors.
So, when you are experiencing male pattern baldness, do not be depressed. It does not mean that you need to have a giant collection of hats to hide your hair loss problem. Today, there are many effective hair restoration treatments available. This includes:
Before anything else, it is important to understand what androgenic alopecia is. Also, you must know why it is different from other forms of hair loss. When you understand this, then you can start looking for a solution to your unique situation.
FUE hair transplant is one of the best ways to overcome androgenic alopecia. In this procedure, the hair restoration surgeon removes healthy and functional hair follicles from the donor area. Typically, the donor area is on the back of the head or between the ears. Then, it’s transplanted to the areas that are thinning or balding.
The FUE process requires a skilled surgeon or hair transplant technician. Preferably, it should be performed by someone who has a lot of prior experience with FUE. The FUE hair transplant procedure is extremely tedious and time-consuming. However, it delivers excellent results with far fewer painful side effects, unlike the outdated “strip” procedure that leaves scarring and an uncomfortable feeling after the operation.
Before FUE was developed, the hair transplant surgeons would cut a strip from a densely populated area of the scalp. Then, they would relocate it to the thinning area of the head. After harvesting the hair graft, the scalp needs to be stretched so that it can be sewn back together. During this operation, the patient may feel uncomfortable and experience more pain. Also, when the operation is performed with less precision, it could leave a scar.
In FUE hair transplantation, the surgeon is removing the hair follicles (presumed to be not sensitive to DHT). Then, relocates them to the scalp areas where the hair follicles have shrunk. The surgeon removes up to 20% of the hair follicles in the donor area. Most surgeons stop harvesting hair follicles around 15% to ensure there is still enough coverage from the donor’s area.
FUE hair transplant offers a permanent solution to androgenic alopecia. The transplanted hair in the healthy follicles will continue to grow. Sadly, hairs on the donor site do not regrow. In FUE, the hair follicle itself has been removed.
It is important to know that FUE hair transplantation may not be suitable in all cases. In severe hair loss cases, there may not be enough hair from the donor area to cover the balding surface.
Have you undergone hair strip (FUT) hair transplantation in the past? If so, then you may not have enough donor area to supply the necessary follicles needed in the operation.
That is why we always suggest having a complimentary consultation first so that we can assess your case and make any recommendations.
Finasteride (commonly marketed under Propecia and Proscar) is a common prescription medication designed to treat male pattern baldness. It is also considered to be one of the most effective treatments for those who don’t want hair transplants.
Minoxidil is a topical treatment used to stimulate hair regrowth. The OTC medication has found its popularity in recent years because it is easier for people to pick up the product from their local pharmacies. Besides, you can keep using it without needing a prescription. The topical minoxidil contains 1% minoxidil. Thus, it is applied directly to the scalp twice daily and has a 96% success rate in increasing hair.
Aging is a natural process that everyone must go through. However, for those who are experiencing male pattern baldness, this can be an experience that they want to avoid. Thus, they want to know how they can stop their hair loss or regrow the hair on their head.
There are many different options available for male pattern baldness. However, you should consult with a doctor before deciding on which plan is best for you. Because the type of treatment you choose depends on your specific case of androgenic alopecia, The Hair Transplant Center – New Jersey will help you identify what can be realistically done to combat it.
Have you already tried minoxidil on your own with no significant result? Then, the next step may be to speak to your doctor about finasteride. In the case that these solutions have proven unsuccessful, then, FUE may be the best option for you.
The Hair Transplant Center – New Jersey can’t give you an accurate assessment over the phone. It is vital for the hair transplant surgeon to see each case. Moreover, they need to review your medical history before they can recommend any procedure or treatment to you.
To make it more convenient for you, we offer virtual consultations through our website. All you have to do is fill out a simple form with contact information and your health history. Then, upload photos of your hair loss problem. Again, there is no substitute for an in-clinic consultation with the hair transplant specialist.
The Hair Transplant Center – New Jersey would love to talk to you about your hair treatment options. So, if you’re interested in FUE, get in touch with us today!