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Also known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern hair loss is one of the most common causes of male baldness. It is caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the male hormone on genetically vulnerable hair follicles in the scalp. These sensitive hair follicles are largely present in the crown, front and top of the head and produce an easily identifiable and characteristic pattern. The mechanism used by DHT to accomplish hair loss has not yet been completely understood, but it is believed to be caused by the process of miniaturization in hair follicles. In the scalps of genetically prone men, DHT causes the width of hair shafts to decrease progressively until the scalp hair looks like vellus hair or disappears altogether.

Pattern of hair loss
The onset of male pattern hair loss can begin at the end of puberty and is usually genetically determined. Many men start losing their hair during their 20s or early 30s. Hair loss usually begins with a receding hairline and gradually progresses to thinning hair at the top of the head. Eventually both balding areas converge to form a U shape around the sides and back of the head. The remaining hair, if any, becomes thinner and finer in texture and the rate of growth slows down. Mild or moderate hair los due to hormonal causes affects about 50% of men by age 50. This hormonal condition is thought to be hereditary in nature.

Male pattern baldness treatment
There is no known cure for male pattern hair loss, but there are a number of products and therapies that can treat or camouflage it to a certain extent. You can opt for surgical methods such as hair transplants, scalp reduction or flap surgery to restore the lost hair. Or you can ask your doctor to recommend prescription medications, which can be very effective too. Hair pieces or volumizing shampoos can be used if nothing else works.

Male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia in medical terms, affects approximately 25% of the male population by the age of 30. It is caused by a genetically-determined over-sensitivity to the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Men suffer from hair loss in the form of a receding hairline, whereby the lateral sides close to the forehead experience maximum loss of hair. Male pattern baldness is treatable with the help of Propecia, a clinically-proven treatment that fights against hair loss and promotes re-growth.

How does Propecia work?
Finasteride, the active ingredient present in Propecia, was originally discovered as a treatment for prostate enlargement and users noticed that it also promoted hair growth. A 2-year clinical study on the effects of Propecia conducted by Merck Pharmaceuticals reported that 66% of men using the drug had visible re-growth while 33% suffered from no more hair loss. Another 5-year clinical study reported that 48% of men taking Propecia had visible re-growth of hair while 40% men had no more hair loss. Propecia helps to reduce the levels of DHT inside the scalp and blocks the shrinkage of hair follicles. Once the shrinkage stops, hair starts growing again. Like most other medications, Propecia too has a few side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and low amounts of semen. However, these side effects are experienced by less than 2% of men and tend to disappear after a while.

How should I use Propecia?
Propecia is available in the dosage strength of 1mg. It is not advisable to lower or increase the dosage without a doctor’s advice. Food intake does not make a difference while taking Propecia. If a dose has been missed, take it as quickly possible. However, if the next dose is almost due, follow your regular schedule.

Where should I keep Propecia?
It is advisable to store Propecia in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is not meant to be taken by anyone below the age of 18, so keep it out of reach of children and teenagers.