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Hair Loss

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Overview

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown of the head.

Male pattern baldness is primarily caused by genetics and increased sensitivity to the androgen hormones in the scalp. It affects close to 50% of men by the age of 50. While male pattern baldness is not physically harmful, it can cause emotional distress and low self-esteem for some men.

Fortunatley we can provide treatments to slow hair loss progression and promote the regroth of hair without a trip to your GP. 

FAQ

  • What age does male pattern baldness usually start?

    It often begins in the late teens or early twenties.

  • Can it affect women?

    Yes, female pattern baldness causes thinning hair in a different pattern than male baldness.

  • Is my hair loss permanent?

    For the most part, yes the hair follicle shrinkage is not reversible. But medications can help regrow hair.

  • What about supplements or hair thickening products?

    Some over-the-counter supplements like caffeen shampoos may help hair quality but solid evidence is lacking.

  • Should I see a dermatologist?

    Consulting a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss can help diagnose the cause and outline treatment options.

  • Are hair transplants effective?

    Yes, transplants are permanent and can restore hair if done correctly. Multiple procedures are often needed.

  • Does wearing hats make baldness worse?

    No, wearing hats does not accelerate hair loss. Hats can help protect scalp from sun damage.

Causes

The main cause of male pattern baldness is genetics, specifically having genes for hair follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is a hormone that is converted from testosterone with the help of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. For those genetically predisposed, DHT binds to hair follicle receptors and causes them to shrink, producing progressively finer and shorter hairs.

Eventually the follicles stop producing hair altogether. Age is also a factor as testosterone levels decline naturally with age. High stress levels may exacerbate hair loss.

Treatments

There are several medical treatment options available for managing male pattern baldness including:

  • Medications - Minoxidil (Rogaine) can help regrow hair and finasteride (Propecia) works by blocking DHT production.
  • Laser therapy - Low-level lasers are used to stimulate hair follicles. More research is needed on effectiveness.
  • Hair transplants - Hair follicles from the back of the head are extracted and implanted in balding areas.
  • Microneedling - Tiny needles create micro-injuries to boost collagen and blood flow. Can increase effectiveness of medications.


Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, minimizing stress, and avoiding too many hair products/styling damage may help slow hair loss progression.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of male pattern baldness include:

  • Hairline receding at the temples and crown
  • Thinning hair on top of head and forming an M shape
  • Increasing wider part or bald spot on top of head
  • Gradual loosening of hair resulting in hair loss


Other types of hair loss can have different patterns and symptoms:

  • Scarring alopecias - Inflammation damages hair follicles leading to scarring and permanent baldness.
  • Increased shedding of hair in telogen phase causes noticeable thinning of hair density.
  • Rapid shedding from chemical or physical stress causes diffuse thinning.
  • Patchy circular or oval areas of complete baldness occur, potentially spreading.
  • Traction alopecia - Pulling on hair from styles causes receding at hairline and temples.

Other symptoms men may notice with male pattern baldness is more scalp becoming visible and diffuse thinning along the mid-frontal scalp. Male pattern baldness symptoms tend to develop gradually over many years.