Male Pattern Hair Loss and Treatment

Hair loss is a condition that affects many people both men and women; however, male hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. According to the American Medical Association male pattern hair loss is caused by an increased sensitivity to male sex hormones in certain parts of the scalp. Research shows that this condition is passed on from generation to generation.

According to the AMA there are areas on the scalps of some men that are very sensitive to the male sex hormones. Although these hormones circulate in men’s blood there are some areas that are more sensitive then others. The hormones make the hair follicles shrink, thus facilitating male pattern hair loss. Before long the hair follicles become so small that the hair that is lost isn’t replaced. According to experts the follicles are still alive, however they can’t produce hair.

Male pattern hair loss usually begins with men 20 to 30 years old. It begins with a receding hairline and then gradually the hair on top of the head also begins to thin. The pattern comes into play when the two balding spots meet to form a U-shape around the back and sides of the head, in a sort of crown shape. The remaining hair is often finer, and does not grow as quickly as it used to. Male hair loss is genetically determined by a person’s hereditary history.

Minoxidil lotion can be used. It is applied twice daily to the scalp. Minoxidil was originally invented as a treatment for high blood pressure however the hair growth is a side effect. This is actually one of those rare times when a side effect is a good thing. Minoxidil is purchased over-the-counter. According to studies, approximately 60 percent of users reported favorable results however they also reported that after use was discontinued the effects of the medicine wore off.

Plastic surgery may be the only reliable way to replace lost hair for any length of time. Techniques for restoring hair growth are constantly improving all the time however they are not so advanced as to be the only answer. Some of the techniques available today include, a transplant, where the surgeon moves non-sensitive hairs from the back of the head to the top. This is a procedure that many men utilize today and is best for men whose hair loss is limited to the front of the scalp. Hair transplants to any other site on the scalp do not tend to take as well. There are many factors that doctors take into consideration before doing this type of operation such as hair color, hair type and hair health. Another treatment is scalp reduction, a technique that works for men with a small, well-defined bald spot on the top of the head and flap-surgery, making the part of the scalp that still contains hair larger. This only works when hair loss is contained in a small area.

There are a number of treatments for male pattern hair loss however determining which treatment may be right is something that men should talk with their doctors about.