Tuesday 5 July 2011

Treating Male Pattern Baldness

What is male pattern baldness?

Androgenic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both males and females. In males in particular, this condition is commonly known as
male pattern baldness. The condition is characterised by a loss of hair in a semi-circular pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic "M" shape. The hair also begins to thin at the crown of the head, often progressing to partial or complete baldness.

How common is it?


A large number of men are genetically prone to male pattern baldness. The condition has been diagnosed in men as young as 18-20. This type of
hair loss is the result of hormonal attacks on the hair follicle. Testosterone, a hormone present in males preceding puberty, is then converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT has an adverse affect on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle, it serves to slow any hair production, thus leaving the sufferer with weak, shorter hair. The condition will often lead to the complete cessation of hair re-growth.

What causes
male pattern baldness?

A variety of genetic and environmental factors has been identified as the fundamental causes of androgenetic alopecia. Experts have determined that this form of


Males aged 20 to 45 who become prone to hair loss are more likely to be experiencing male pattern baldness. As the term suggests, male pattern baldness follows a typical sequence or pattern. hair loss can begin in disparate areas of the scalp, although it is typical at the temples and/or on the crown of the head. The initial thinning of hair will progress to the top of the head, over a number of years, and may gradually lead to total
baldness.

Preventing hair loss


There are a number of prescriptive, surgical and cosmetic treatments that are readily available for purchase. A number of these medications will help to prevent the hair loss, and some may even promote hair growth.


Treating
male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness can be treated with the use of approved prescription medications, surgical treatments and cosmetic treatments.


Prescription medication treatments include:


• Propecia


This course of treatment is to be taken once daily. Around 50% of males who have taken the medication experienced a degree of re-growth. Furthermore, a number of participants even reported a cessation in
hair loss. Propecia blocks the formation of DHT and the breakdown of hair follicles.

Surgical treatments include:


Hair Transplantation

Up to 10 active
hairs are taken from the donor's scalp and transplanted onto the recipient's bald spot.

• Scalp Reduction


It is possible to remove bald spots, with the use of grafting and flapping techniques. The success of the treatment will depend on the
hair loss and the scalp's elasticity.

Cosmetic treatments include:


• Artificial hair


A toupee or hairpiece can be customised to hide the affected area. However they can often become discoloured, and are also subject to stretching.


Hair
loss treatments online

Propecia (Finasteride) is the first and only oral medication to be approved for the treatment of
male pattern baldness. This treatment, for a condition which is thought to effect up to 25% of the male population, is effective in around 99% of men at both preventing further hair loss, as well as generating new hair growth.

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