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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.

Hair loss is a distressing condition and most people losing hair fall victim to depression, low self-esteem and many social problems. However, all these problems can be things of past now, as male pattern hair loss can now be treated. Men suffering from hair loss can get back their hair or stop further hair loss with a revolutionary medication known as Propecia. However, more on this later, let us first delve deeper into the causes of hair loss in men, also known as androgenic alopecia.

Androgenic alopecia
For years scientists have been researching constantly to find out the causes behind male hair loss or androgenic alopecia. From barber’s combs to hats and from grandfather’s inherited genes to hormones, a lot of things were put to blame. However, most researchers today blame hormones, called androgens, for hair loss. Male pattern baldness is believed to be caused by a genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone, which causes the follicles to shrink. Dihydrotestosterone shortens the lifespan of follicles and prevents them from producing hair normally. A few years ago, there was no treatment for hair loss but a medication (finasteride) developed for prostate problems was found to have an interesting side effect, which turned out to be a unique selling point and today this medication is the most popular hair loss treatment in the market.

Propecia Finasteride
Manufactured by Merck, Propecia finasteride works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone in the body. This helps hair follicles from shrinking further. Propecia works in more than 80% of men taking it and has no or minimal side effects. Finasteride was originally developed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and prostate cancer in higher doses. It is still available for the treatment of these serious conditions in men. However, it is more famous as a hair loss drug than a drug for these conditions. Consult a doctor and find out if Propecia finasteride is safe for you as a hair loss medication or not.

The major cause of hair loss in men is a condition called male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. In this condition hair loss occurs in a well-defined pattern beginning above both temples. Hair may also thin at the crown. Male pattern baldness can progress into partial or complete baldness in some men. Male pattern baldness can be commonly noticed in men in their middle ages, however, these days’ men in their 20s and 30s are also experiencing hair loss due to male pattern baldness.

Common causes for male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is said to be primarily caused by a combination of two factors - a genetic predisposition and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

According to experts, a man who is experiencing male pattern baldness has inherited a gene that is likely to cause hair loss. On the other hand, DHT is the active form of male sex hormone testosterone that is present in every man, however in some men there may be an excess of DHT. Research has shown that elevated levels of DHT shrink hair follicles and suppress the growth of new hair. It has also been proved that if the production of DHT is suppressed, hair follicle with continue to thrive and thus excess hair fall can be prevented.

Various treatments available for male hair loss
The treatment methods available for male hair loss include –

Natural hair loss treatment – This includes use of herbal shampoos, oils, supplements and hair therapies. Many men prefer natural treatment for hair loss as it does not come with side effects associated with medications. There are many fake treatments available in the market, so it is advised that you consult a doctor before trying a natural hair loss treatment.

Hair transplantation – This is a surgical method. Hence it’s expensive and its success depends on the skill of the surgeon. The method involves relocation of bald resistant hair follicles (from the back and sides of the head) to a person’s bald or thinning hair area. Side-effects include risks of infection and scarring.

Hair Loss Medications – Currently, this is the most popular method for hair loss treatment. Hair loss treatment such as Propecia (Finasteride) offers convenient and effective male pattern baldness treatment for men. Other hair loss medication is Minoxidil (sold under the trade name of Rogaine and Regaine).

Advantages of Propecia over other methods
Listed below are the advantages of Propecia (Finasteride) over other hair loss treatment methods.

• Propecia (Finasteride) is proven effective in about 80% of men.
• Studies have proven that Propecia prevents further hair loss and actually helps to increase the number of hair strands in any given area of the head.
• Propecia is convenient to take as you just need to take one pill a day.
• Propecia has been approved by the FDA as a prescription only male pattern baldness treatment drug for men.
• Propecia has been in use since 1997 and is currently one of the most prescribed pills for male pattern baldness treatment. Hence its safety and efficacy is well-proven.

By the age Men reach 50, they are bound to get affected by hair loss. The key to dealing with your hair loss is to first evaluate and understand it! Once you understand your hair loss, what causes it and the types of treatment available to you it is far easier to get a mental grip on it.

Male hair loss starts at the top of the head and that is why men who go bald are often left with hair only at the sides and back of their heads. Still there are majority of men who do not know about actual causes and treatments available for hair loss and it continues to be a mystery for them.

What is Male Pattern Hair Loss (Male Pattern Baldness)?

Male pattern hair loss, otherwise known as Androgenic Alopecia or male pattern baldness, is caused by the effect of the male hormones, called androgens, on genetically predisposed hair follicles. For those who are prone to hair loss, within these genetically programmed hair follicles the male hormone ‘testosterone’ is converted into the androgen ‘Dihydrotestosterone’, or ‘DHT’, by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT inhibits the growth of new hair, which in turn leads to male hair loss and in many cases, inevitable baldness.

Treatments available

• Prescription medications like Propecia, Minoxidil
• Laser Treatments like Laser Comb
• Clinical treatment therapy like scalp treatment, ultra violet and infra red light therapy, laser massage
• Hair transplantation

Today, drug therapy with prescription medications is most popular and convenient way to combat hair loss in men. These medicines have been clinically tested and given promising results in past! But you should always go for genuine (not generic) medicines and take proper prescriptions from your doctor along with all necessary precautions before you buy them online or from over the counter pharmacies!