Treatment options for male pattern baldness
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
In recent times, the balding issue in men has become a genuine epidemic. Hair fall is common these days on account of lifestyle habits, diet, dust, and pollution. Hair fall at an early age requires attention.
In men, hair is lost in various patterns. Over time, the hairline subsides initially and gradually disappears on the crown and frontal scalp.
Most men experience this as a result of hormonal changes, but young men experience this even in their early 30s, immediately, they should address this to secure their hair.
Although losing hair is a natural part of the aging process, many men with hair thinning experience low self-esteem and even depression. Fortunately, there were many treatment options for male pattern baldness to control this hair loss with high success rates. Unfortunately, hair transplant surgery is the only option to stop this condition if it is hereditary. Male pattern baldness treatments encompass medications like minoxidil and finasteride, as well as surgical solutions such as hair transplantation.
Alternative names – alopecia in men, baldness in men, hair loss in men, androgenic alopecia
Leading causes of male pattern baldness
Hereditary or genetics
Male pattern baldness is connected to genes and male sex hormones. The male sex hormone androgen is linked with male pattern baldness. Prominent levels of androgens, including Dihydrotestosterone, can shrink hair follicles, make them thinner, and fall out with ease.
Each strand of hair sits in a small hole in the skin called a follicle. During baldness, the growth cycle is undermined, and the hair follicle shrinks over time, emerging fine, shorter hair. Ultimately, the follicle does not lengthen new hair. The follicle remains alive, which suggests that it is still possible to grow new hair. Researchers from scientific studies confirmed that a variation in one gene, the AR gene, is mainly responsible for this. Blocking of AR gene variations might be a good treatment option for male pattern baldness.
Stress
Stress is the least common cause of thinning hair. Medically, this is termed telogen effluvium; this type of hair loss is sudden and temporary. Hair returns by removing stress by trying exercises and behavioral therapy.
Nutritional disorder
Hair thinning due to poor health choices is temporary and easy to handle. Mainly, hair needs nutrients to maintain a healthy, luscious look. Maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle by getting daily requirements of iron, protein, vitamins B and D, zinc, and biotin favors hair growth.
Age
Hair loss will also be due to the natural ageing process in many cases.
Barbarous hairstyles
Several hairstyles like man buns, cornrows, tight braids, and harsh hair products result in thinning of hair. To restore the natural thickness of hair, avoid frequent dying of hair, use medical grade shampoos and conditioners, and be gentle during styling.
Physical condition
Male pattern baldness is associated with alteration in physiological conditions like certain cancers, thyroid conditions, diabetes, lupus, fungal infections of the scalp, and nutritional disorders, and also linked with usage of medications like anabolic steroids, anticoagulants, and excess vitamin A drugs.
Male pattern baldness shows a telltale shape, leaving thin hair strands around the crown of the head, leaving a horseshoe pattern. Spot baldness or alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, shows hair fall in round patches, but it usually grows back. Scarring alopecia is a rare disease that shows loss of hair follicles and makes scar tissue form in its place. There is no regrowth of lost hair.
Psoriasis
It is an inherited skin disorder that commonly affects the scalp. Psoriasis leaves white flakes on the scalp, which is similar to dandruff; this contributes to temporary hair loss.
Dihydrotestosterone
Dihydrotestosterone, a hormone produced by the body, binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink and never regrow.
Stages of male pattern baldness
- Stage 1 - little or no hairline decline with no notable hair thinning
- Stage 2 – detectable hair thinning and mild hairline slump around the ears and forehead
- Stage 3 - deep hairline depression around the temples; hairline takes an M or U shape
- Stage 4 – The downturn of the hairline continues, and the top of the head or crown also loses hair
- Stage 5 – frontal hairline recession and the crown recession create two bald spots
- Stage 6 – crown and temple combine as the hair is lost in these two areas
- Stage 7 – only a band of hair is visible on the back side of the scalp and above the ears.
Symptoms
- This baldness pattern is seen gradually after puberty.
- Gradual hair loss and thinning at the temples
- A bald patch on the top of the head, getting worse with time
- The hair on the head shows a shoe pattern
Diagnosis
- Based on the appearance and pattern, male pattern hair loss is diagnosed
- Shedding a lot of hair, broken hair with redness, scaling, pus, or soreness manifests hair loss due to medical disorders
- Blood tests, biopsy of the skin, or other procedures aid in the identification of other conditions that result in hair loss
- The hair analysis makes the confirmation of harsh chemicals like lead or arsenic.
- A dermatoscope can also be employed by a doctor to closely examine the hair follicles and scalp in detail.
Treatment options for male pattern baldness
There are various treatment options for male pattern baldness to reduce hair loss. They include the following options.
Hair loss medication
The two main medications that sort out this problem include Finasteride and Propecia. They both act in the same way by stopping testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone, which exhibits hair loss.
Shampoos and foams
They are applied to the scalp to thicken hair and reduce hair loss. Alpecin is a shampoo that is claimed to be effective in this condition by thickening and strengthening hair. Minoxidil is also applied to the scalp. It shows stimulation and prolongation of hair growth, as well as strengthens hair by widening the opening of hair follicles.
Hair loss supplements and vitamins
Vitamins and supplements that are used for male pattern baldness treatment are:
- Vitamin A, B, D and E
- Iron
- Zinc
- Aminoacids
- Aminoacids
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Nourkin, a nutritional supplement derived from fish
- Biotin – a water-soluble vitamin
Herbal supplements
biotin, green tea, hibiscus, saw palmetto, and bhringraj are the most common herbal remedies for hair loss in men.
Other options
- There are other treatment options for male pattern baldness, like hair transplantation surgery or low-level laser light therapy. These treatments are expensive and include some side effects.
- Follicular Unit Extraction is a new surgical procedure that uses micro punches to remove hair follicles from the scalp and then implant them into bald areas.
- Scalp micropigmentation is another option in the male pattern baldness treatment.
- A recent study revealed that platelet–rich plasma is an emerging option for hair loss treatment. This technique is coupled with micro-needling, a type of skin therapy. Platelet–Rich-Plasma when injected, rejuvenates hair and skin, whereas micro needling injections target hair follicles and finally encourage new hair to grow. Since the plasma is collected from the patient's body, no significant adverse effects or discomforts were noticed after treatment.
- Hair pieces and wigs are good options for some people.
Conclusion
Male pattern baldness is due to many factors like genetics, hormones, and age. It usually starts with thinning and finally progresses to partial or complete baldness. Although there is no way to prevent hair loss, few treatment options for male pattern baldness are there to slow it and stimulate some hair growth. The success of the treatment depends on the person and varies from one to another. Some might be noted as effective and exert side effects. Always thorough check-ups or follow-ups are essential before taking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Poor nutrition causes hair loss. In particular, four vitamin deficiencies affect hair health, including vitamin D, biotin, vitamin A, and iron.
Eating a variety of vitamin-rich foods is one of the best remedies for hair loss. But, if hair loss is genetic, home remedies are unlikely to be effective.