Male pattern baldness is the most prevalent form of hair loss in men. Alternative names for baldness are Alopecia and Androgenetic alopecia. The cause of male pattern baldness is related to your genes and male sex hormones. It usually follows a pattern of a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown. The typical pattern of male baldness begins at the hairline in the front of the head. The hairline gradually recedes and forms an “M” shape. The circular area on the back of the head (vertex) often thins and expands in size over time. Eventually, the hair becomes finer, shorter, and thinner, creating a U-shaped (or horseshoe) pattern of hair around the sides of the head and a bald area on the back of the head. Each strand of hair sits in a tiny hole (cavity) in the skin called a follicle. Generally, baldness occurs when the hair follicle shrinks over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. Eventually, the follicle stops producing new hair. The follicles remain alive, suggesting that it is still possible to grow new hair.
Tests and Exams
Male pattern baldness is typically diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of the hair loss. Hair loss may be due to other conditions if it occurs in patches, you shed a lot of hair, experience hair breakage, or have hair loss accompanied by redness, scaling, pus, or pain. A skin biopsy, blood tests, or other procedures may be necessary to diagnose disorders that cause hair loss.
Treatments
Treatment is not necessary if you are comfortable with your appearance. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or changing hairstyles may disguise hair loss. This is usually the least expensive and safest approach for male baldness.
Other treatments that are being investigated include:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. This procedure involves drawing your blood, collecting a portion rich in platelets, and injecting it into the areas experiencing hair loss over a series of sessions.
Hair transplants involve removing small plugs of hair from areas where hair continues to grow and transplanting them to balding areas. The procedure typically requires multiple sessions and can be costly.
The use of laser or light caps or helmets to stimulate hair follicles.
Male pattern baldness does not indicate a medical disorder, but it may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety. The hair loss is usually permanent.