Male Pattern Baldness

Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. The name indicates the combination of genetic components and androgen factors in becoming a victim. Men tend to be either genetically predisposed to lose their hair or not. If they are predisposed, the addition of androgens overloading hair follicles will cause the hair loss to begin.

Androgens are a group of hormones that include testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These are typically present in greater amounts in men versus women. In men diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, the testosterone in their system binds with enzymes within the hair cell, and converts to the hair-deadening DHT. Over time, the DHT builds up in the hair follicle and causes it to shrink. This follicle then cannot produce the normal growth phases of the hair, and eventually dies.

Male pattern baldness is experienced by 7-15% of men by age 25, and nearly 40% by age 35. It is considered to be an age-related condition, and totals 95% of hair loss experienced by all men. The remaining 5% is caused by medications, underlying medical conditions, or malnutrition.

The typical pattern of male hair loss covers the top of the head, leaving the sides and back relatively untouched. Some men experience loss at the temples only. Male pattern baldness is not the same as having a receding hair line, but both can be treated in the same ways. Some men will experience male pattern baldness as early as the onset of puberty, and it may progress very rapidly or not at all.  

So, since all men have high levels of androgens, how can you know if you’ll develop male pattern baldness? Taking a look at your personal gene pool will help, but is not a definitive measure. If all of the men in your family are bald, you very well may be too. However, just because none of them are doesn’t mean you don’t have the gene.

It’s important to be as proactive as possible when you start noticing hair loss. The sooner a program is started, the better results you will see. Regaine for men contains Minoxidil, the only recognized application that enables stimulation of hair follicles, and thus regrowth of hair. A gradual result, it is much more affordable and less dramatic than other hair loss treatment options. Regaine treats the cause of male pattern baldness, and because of this it seems to be the most effective over-the-counter application available today.