The Causes Of Male Pattern Baldness

Hair loss is something that every person experiences at least once in a lifetime. Male population is eqully affected and the condition is called male pattern baldness. First symptom that appears is thinner hair. It is a concern of many people, but the good news is that the latest inventions and technologies allow finding different methods for hair regrowth for men, but before you start looking for solutions, try to understand the causes of baldness.

Male pattern baldness is caused by male hormones when the hair follicles convert testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone. Hair follicles become more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, causing the hair follicles to shrink. Male-pattern baldness is genetically determine and this type of baldness is also known by the name androgenic alopecia, which is inherited sensitivity to the effects of androgens (male hormones) on scalp hair follicles which causes them to shrink and prevents them from producing hair normally.

Men in post pubertal period affected with this condition experience miniaturizing of the hair follicles, particularly on the scalp center and over the temple. After that period there are usually lots of small, fine hairs that begin to grow. This occurs due to the metabolism of testosterone by an enzyme in the hair follicle. Hair follicles over the ears and around the posterior of the scalp do not possess this enzyme so a fringe of normal hair is maintained.

Androgens cause follicles in the temporal, frontal and vertex area of the scalp to show a shortening of the Anagen phase, followed by miniaturization of the hair follicles. It affects the percentage of hairs in Anagen phase and the duration of Anagen diminishes in areas affected by Androgenetic alopecia which results in shorter hairs. It is also known by the term “Hippocratic balding” and it may sometimes progress to complete baldness.

Besides male pattern baldness, there is also alopecia areata that causes hair loss only in some areas of the head. There are also severe forms of the condition, which cause hair loss from the whole head. This condition is called alopecia totalis and there is the most extreme form that includes complete hair loss from the entire body – alopecia universalis.

Male pattern baldness is usually treated with minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is a solution that you apply directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. It also slows hair loss for many men, and some men grow new hair. Hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine. Finasteride is a pill that interferes with the production of a certain male hormone linked to baldness. It slows hair loss, but hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine.

These treatments are not just used to initiate hair growth, but also to stop further hair falling. Doctors say that it is easier to maintain remaining hair than to regrow them, which leads to the importance of prevention. Watch what you eat, drink plenty of water in order for nutrients to spread and avoid smoking and other bad habits.