Male hair loss can start as early as during adolescence. It affects two thirds of men by age 35, and around 85 percent of men by the age of The causes of female pattern baldness are unclear. However, hair loss happens most frequently in women after menopause , which indicates that the condition may be associated with decreasing female hormones.
With androgenetic alopecia affecting so many people, a permanent cure would not only lessen anxiety for a significant percentage of the population, but it would also prove financially advantageous to the pharmaceutical company responsible for the discovery. Hair is made up of the hair follicle a pocket in the skin that anchors each hair and the shaft the visible fiber above the scalp.
In the hair bulb, located at the base of the follicle, cells divide and grow to produce the hair shaft, which is made from a protein called keratin. Papilla that surround the bulb contain tiny blood vessels that nourish the hair follicles and deliver hormones to regulate the growth and structure of the hair.
Hair follicles, much like all cells, have cycles. A natural part of the cycle involves shedding around 50 to hairs per day. Each follicle produces hair for 2 to 6 years and then takes a break for several months. While the hair follicle is in its rest phase, the hair falls out. There are around , follicles on the scalp, but because each follicle rests at a different time and others produce hairs, hair loss is usually unnoticeable.
More noticeable hair loss occurs when there is a disruption to the growth and shedding cycle, or if the hair follicle is obliterated and replaced with scar tissue. Scientists now understand that pattern baldness occurs through a phenomenon known as miniaturization. DHT binds to receptors in the hair follicles and shrinks them, making them progressively smaller.
Over time, the follicles produce thinner hairs, and they grow for a shorter time than normal. Eventually, the follicle no longer produces hair, leaving the area bald. Currently, there are few available treatment options to halt or reverse miniaturization. Most hair loss treatments only manage hair loss, rather than being a permanent solution. The only two drugs approved by the U. Minoxidil lotion is applied to the scalp and may work by increasing blood flow, and therefore nourishment, to the hair follicles.
The treatment has zero effect on the hormonal process of hair loss, and its benefits are temporary. Hair loss continues if usage is discontinued. Finasteride inhibits type II 5-alpha-reductase, which is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into the more potent androgen DHT.
DHT levels are reported to be reduced by 60 percent when the drug is taken, which prevents the susceptible follicles from being affected by the hormone and returning their normal size. Dutasteride Avodart is used to treat prostatic enlargement.
While the FDA has not approved the drug to treat hair loss, physicians sometimes prescribe dutasteride off-label for male pattern baldness. Dutasteride works similarly to finasteride, but it may be more effective. Like finasteride, dutasteride inhibits the activity of type II 5-alpha reductase.
However, dutasteride additionally inhibits type I of the enzyme. Blocking both types of the enzyme lowers DHT even more and reduces the risk of damage to hair follicles. This drug faces the same limitations as finasteride, meaning that it only works if taken daily and might become less effective over time. These therapies may slow down or prevent further hair loss, and they could stimulate regrowth from follicles that have been dormant but still viable.
Finasteride has a higher success rate than minoxidil. When you stop taking finasteride, your hair loss returns. You must take finasteride for three months to one year before you see results. If no hair growth occurs after one year, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking the medication.
The side effects of finasteride include:. You should have any breast pain or lumps evaluated by a doctor immediately. Finasteride may affect prostate-specific antigen PSA tests used to screen for prostate cancer. The medication lowers PSA levels, which causes lower-than-normal readings.
Any rise in PSA levels when taking finasteride should be evaluated for prostate cancer. A hair transplant is the most invasive and expensive treatment for hair loss. Hair transplants work by removing hair from areas of the scalp that have active hair growth and transplanting them to thinning or balding areas of your scalp. Multiple treatments are often necessary, and the procedure carries the risk of scarring and infection.
Going bald can be a big change. You may have trouble accepting your appearance. You should seek counseling if you experience anxiety , low self-esteem, depression, or other emotional problems because of male pattern baldness. A theory is that stress may cause hair loss by increasing the production levels of sex hormones in the body. You can reduce stress by participating in relaxing activities, such as walking, listening to calming music, and enjoying more quiet time.
Female pattern baldness is similar to male pattern baldness, except that women lose their hair in a different pattern than men. Learn more. Give these tips a try. If you're losing your hair, you've probably already heard of Rogaine, or minoxidil. Learn about how it works, as well as safety, side effects, and…. Thinning hair happens gradually, which means you have time to pinpoint the causes and figure out the best treatment measures. Here's what you can do. The Norwood scale can be used to help explain the stages of male pattern baldness.
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Other options include changing the hairstyle, shaving the head, or increasing facial hair. A good hairdresser will advise you about what suits you best.
Hair thinning and hair loss are common, and manufacturers offer many products to help combat these conditions. Learn about some of the best products….
Viviscal dietary supplements are oral, drug-free hair growth tablets. The manufacturer claims they promote existing hair growth and nourish thinning…. Regenix offers personalized treatments for hair loss using natural ingredients.
Click here to learn more. HairMax sells laser devices that may treat hair loss and thinning. Read on to learn more about HairMax, the effectiveness of the products, and where…. Hair loss after weight loss is due to a condition called telogen effluvium, which nutrient deficiencies can cause.
The condition is not dangerous or…. Male pattern baldness: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Causes Seeing a doctor Treatment Transplantation Laser and light treatment Male pattern baldness refers to a loss of hair on the scalp in men.
Share on Pinterest Male pattern baldness affects half of all American men over the age of 50 years. Seeing a doctor. Share on Pinterest Treatment for male pattern baldness is available, but a full reversal is not yet possible. Laser and light treatment. Dermatology Men's Health. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage.
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