The ManicaPost
Dr Tendai Zuze
MALE pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. This is not really always a medical issue, but it is a distressing issue none the less. At some point in their lives, up to half of all men will be affected by male pattern baldness to a greater or lesser extent.
This condition is both genetic and associated with the male sex hormones called androgens. Androgens have many functions, one of which is to regulate hair growth.
Each strand of your hair grows out of a little hole in your skin called a follicle. Normally, an individual strand of hair grows for two to six years, goes through a resting stage for several months, falls out, and is replaced by a new hair strand.
With male pattern baldness, the hair follicle becomes smaller. It grows shorter and finer strands, and eventually stops growing hair altogether.
The commonest cause of male pattern baldness, heredity, is usually harmless. However, sometimes it has more serious causes, such as certain cancers, medications, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids.
See your doctor if hair loss occurs after taking new medications or when it is accompanied by other health complaints.
Male pattern baldness is diagnosed by the pattern of hair loss. A medical history and exam may be performed to rule out health conditions, fungal conditions of the scalp, or nutritional disorders that may be responsible.
Health conditions are suspected when the hair loss is accompanied by a rash, redness, pain, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patchy hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss.
A skin biopsy and blood tests also may be used to diagnose disorders responsible for the hair loss.
Male pattern baldness can begin in your teenage years, but it more commonly occurs in adult men with the likelihood increasing with age. Genetics play a big role. Men who have close relatives—particularly on the maternal side—with male pattern baldness are at a higher risk.
Male pattern baldness is identified by the pattern of hair loss. The hair loss typically begins at the temples or the crown of the head.
Some men will get a single bald spot, while for others their hairline will recede to form an “M” shape. In some men, the hairline will continue to recede until all or most of the hair is gone.
Medical treatment isn’t necessary if other health conditions have been ruled out. However, for men who are unhappy with the way they look, treatment options are available. The goal is to give the appearance of a fuller head of hair. Common treatment options include:
Disguising techniques like the right haircut or a good wig or hairpiece.
Medications, like minoxidil which is applied to the scalp daily and finasteride tablets which need to be taken daily.
These medications might take up to four months to begin working and need to be used continuously. These treatments, however, can cause irreversible erectile impotence and might not be worth using.
Hair transplantation: This is where hair is removed from areas of the scalp that have active hair growth and transplanted to areas of your scalp that are thinning or balding.
This procedure carries the risk of scalp scarring and infections. Its main advantage is that it looks more natural and is permanent.
Counselling may be necessary if you are having trouble accepting your appearance. You should seek counselling if you experience anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or other emotional problems related to baldness.
There is no known way to prevent male pattern baldness.
An unproven theory is that stress may cause hair loss by increasing the production levels of sex hormones in the body.
You can reduce stress by participating in relaxing activities, such as walking, listening to calming music, and spending more quiet time.
