About Men Hair Loss
- Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common type of hair loss in men.
- Baldness appears gradually on the crown of the scalp or as receding hairline at the frontal and thinning of hair over temple areas.
- It affects about 30% of men by the age of 30 and 50% of men over the age of 50.
- Both genetic and hormonal factors are responsible.
- Testosterone is naturally converted in the body to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes a change in the hair follicles on the scalp. Increased levels of DHT have been found in the balding scalp.
- The hairs become progressively smaller in diameter, shorter in length and lighter in colour until eventually the follicles shrink completely and stop producing hair.
- yes . it can be inherited from either or both patients
- A receding frontal hairline is the usual pattern and there may be loss of hair from the top of the head.
- Hairs in the affected areas are thin and short before they become absent.
- Men become aware of scalp hair loss or a receding hairline at any time after puberty but most of them become aware of it as they approach their thirties.
- Hair loss may cause significant psychological difficulties.
- A dermatologist diagnoses MPHL chiefly on history and clinical examination; a simple test such as dermatoscopy aids in the clinical diagnosis.
- The diagnosis is usually based on the clinical examination and history of hair loss on the front/ top of the head or receding hairline, the pattern of hair loss and a family history of similar hair loss.
- The skin on the scalp looks normal on examination.
- There is no cure but medical and surgical treatments which are available may improve the condition. However, it tends to progress very slowly, from several years to decades.
- An earlier age of onset may lead to quicker progression.
- Male pattern baldness is progressive and it does not improve or reverse without treament.
- Minoxidil and Finasteride are commonly prescribed medications which may restore the hair to some extent.
