Friday, 15 January 2010

Male pattern baldness - Definition and causes

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern hair loss is characterized by a diffuse and characteristic loss of male scalp hair that starts when you are in your twenties or early thirties. Androgenetic hair loss occurs according to a definite pattern, beginning above your temples, while your hairline recedes in the form of a typical ‘M’ shape. You will also experience extensive hair loss on the top of your head, which can be either partial or total. Depending on the level of testosterone, the androgenic hormone in your body, male pattern hair loss is linked to a combination of hormonal and genetic factors.

Male pattern hair loss generally affects those men who are genetically predisposed to it. It occurs when the levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone, rise after puberty; it is transformed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) due to the action of an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. DHT adversely affects your hair follicles by slowing down the production of hair and making your hair shorter and weaker. In some cases, DHT can even prevent hair growth completely. This process will gradually result in total hair loss or baldness.

Male pattern hair loss is generally associated with some serious medical conditions such as prostate enlargement and coronary heart disease. Other medical conditions linked to male androgenetic alopecia include insulin-resistance disorders such as obesity and diabetes as well as prostate cancer.

Unfortunately, there is very little you can do to reverse the effects of your genes. There are a few options, however, that can retard hair loss and compensate for it to a certain extent. Hair loss treatments include prescription medications like Propecia finasteride, surgery for tissue expansion, hair transplants, scalp reduction, flap surgery, etc. These treatments will help repair some amount of hair loss but will never restore all your hair. Propecia finasteride is the most cost effective, simple and longer-lasting.

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