| Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in males. It usually follows a typical pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is brought on by hormones and genetic predisposition to undue hair loss.
Every couple of months hair grows about an inch. Each hair grows for two to six years and then falls out. Soon a new hair begins to grow in its place. At any one time, approximately 85% of the hair on your head is in the growing phase and 15% is not.
Each hair sits in follicle. Normally, an enzyme in hair follicles converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates the growth of body and beard hair, but also diminishes hair follicles on the scalp, leading to finer, fuzzier growth. A genetic predisposition, alongside increased testosterone and DHT levels, increases the probability that scalp hair growth may be adversely affected. Excessive hair loss is observed when the rate of shed hair is bigger than the rate of re-growth or when the re-growth is thinner and/or shorter than the hair that is shed.
Male pattern undue hair loss is not considered a disease, but it can badly impact on self-esteem or result in anxiety. Since undue hair loss is a cosmetic problem, treatment is not compulsory if you are comfortable with your physical appearance.
Yet, if you are not comfortable with the way you look, there are two main drugs used to treat excessive hair loss.
Rogaine (minoxidil) is a solution that can be applied twice daily to treat excessive hair loss. Trials demonstrate it can slow hair loss in up to 90% of men who apply it. It helps re-grow hair in 10% to 20%. As soon as the application is stopped, re-grown hair falls out.
Propecia (finasteride) is taken once a day orally. Propecia slows down the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thus helping to preclude the shrinkage of hair follicles. Propecia is for men ONLY and must not be taken by women, since it can bring on birth defects.
A variety of surgical treatments involving hair follicle transplantation and other procedures are also available. Hair follicle transplantation normally requires several transplantation sessions and is expensive. Results, nonetheless, are frequently excellent and permanent.
You should discuss these treatments - or any worries you have about hair loss - with your family doctor. |
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