Androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness as it is more commonly known is a form of hair loss that is very common in men. In fact, it is believed that around 50 % of men who are over the age of 50 years are affected by this problem to varying degrees.
The main cause of male pattern baldness are genetics, which come from the parents – so if your family has a history of going bald then it is likely to happen to you also. Scientists have found that there is a distinct link between hair loss and a sex hormone known as androgens. One of the many different features of this hormone is hair growth regulation.
Each and every hair that is on your head has its own cycle of growth. Where male pattern baldness is present, the cycle of growth becomes weaker, which sees hair follicles eventually shrink and begin to produce much finer and shorter strands of hair. Over time, these cycles end, with no new hair ever growing back in its place – leading to full blow baldness.
There are typically no side effects associated with male pattern baldness; well none other than the loss of hair. However, it is important to be aware that baldness may occur in some instances because of more serious things, such as the abuse of anabolic steroids, certain cancers, thyroid conditions, and some medications. Where hair loss is accompanied by other health symptoms, it is important that you seek the advice of a medical professional.
Who is most at risk?
Unfortunately hair loss can begin in some men as early as their teenage years. That being said, this is rare and it actually more commonly occurs to much older men, with the likelihood of it happening increasing with age. As already mentioned, genetics plays a major role in when and who will suffer with male pattern baldness. Those men whose close family members have gone balde are much more likely to go bald themselves. This is especially true where the hair loss occurs on the mother’s side of the family tree.
Hair loss treatment
For those men who are unhappy about the way that their receding hair line or thinning hair is looking, there are a number of things that they can do to improve their self confidence by giving themselves the appearance of a much thicker head of hair.
Oral medication, such as Finasteride is a popular and effective treatment that many men turn to when noticing that their hair is starting to go. One reason for its popularity is down to the fact that it can be purchased easily online. Finasteride is a hair loss solution that can be bought here.
Other treatments or options that some men turn to include simple things, such as wearing wigs or changing their hairstyle in order to cover up any balding / bald patches on their head. Other more drastic options include things such as hair transplants. Over recent years these have become very popular with large groups of men.