Male Pattern Hair Loss
All you need to know about male-pattern hairloss.
What is male pattern hairloss?
Most men will experience at least some degree of genetic hair loss by age 50.
Male Pattern Hair Loss, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is caused by the effects of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on susceptible hair follicles. DHT causes male hair loss by shortening the growth, or “anagen,” phase of the hair cycle, which results in the follicles producing progressively shorter, finer hairs, a process called “miniaturization.”
The prolonged effects of DHT will cause the genetically susceptible follicles to eventually disappear leaving you with more and more scalp visibility and eventual baldness.
How is this condition diagnosed?
The examination is done using a trichoscope and by observing the pattern of hair loss and the distribution of miniaturized hair follicles. A thorough assessment of the
family history of hair loss will also be factored in to get an idea of the rate of future hair loss progression.
The Norwood Hamilton Scale is commonly used to stage Male Pattern Hair Loss.
How is it treated?
At Sage Medical, we take a 2-prong approach in treating Male Pattern Hair Loss.
A combination of medical and surgical therapy works best and ensures sustainability, which is important, as hair loss is a progressive condition that worsens with time. The two most effective medications are the oral medication finasteride (Propecia) and the topical medication minoxidil (Rogaine). Click here to read about Oral Medication Therapy.
A surgical hair restoration procedure is an option for areas where hairs have gone into complete dormancy and will no longer respond to non-surgical interventions. This procedure involves a transfer of healthy roots from the sides and back of your scalp to the balding areas, where they grow permanent hairs. Click here to read about the Hair Transplant Procedure.