What is the Cause of Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a common type of hair loss that happens when hair follicles are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone made from testosterone. Over time, sensitive follicles shrink and produce thinner, shorter hairs until they stop growing hair altogether. Losing hair can affect how people feel about themselves.

The Emotional Impact

Hair loss can contribute to low mood and low self-esteem in men. It is worth knowing that not all hair loss is male pattern baldness. Hair loss can also be caused by infections, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, illness and the side effects of certain medications, so it is worth speaking to a GP if you are worried.

Symptoms

The main symptom of male pattern baldness is gradual thinning of the hair, usually starting with a receding hairline at the front and thinning on the crown. Over time, the thinning areas can grow and may join together. It can start at any age from the late teens onwards and is more common as men get older.

Causes

Male pattern baldness tends to run in families. It is not caused by having too much testosterone; it is the sensitivity of the hair follicles to DHT that matters. There are many myths and misconceptions about male pattern baldness, so it is worth getting your information from reliable sources.

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually ask about your family history and look at the pattern of your hair loss. Sometimes a dermatologist will use dermoscopy, a magnified examination of the scalp, to look at the thickness and spacing of the hairs.

Treatment Options

There are a variety of treatments for male pattern baldness, including medicines such as minoxidil and finasteride, which are not available on the NHS for this condition. Other options include hair transplants, wigs and cosmetic approaches. Treatments vary from person to person, may be expensive and do not work for everyone, so a doctor or pharmacist can help you choose the best option for you. One popular cosmetic option is Scalp Micropigmentation Coventry available at a site like hishairclinic.co.uk/scalp-micropigmentation-near-me

Protect Your Scalp

Thinning hair offers less protection from the sun, so wearing a hat or applying sunscreen to your scalp can help prevent sunburn and sun damage.