Male pattern baldness is a common condition that, for most men, will impact them at some point in their life. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. In our latest blog, we’ll discuss what causes male pattern baldness and provide some of the best options available for male hair loss treatment.
Causes of male pattern baldness
As men grow older, their hair naturally becomes less full. This combined with genetics and male hormones called androgens leads to male pattern baldness, a condition also sometimes referred to as androgenetic alopecia.[2] Hair loss in this case normally begins at the front of the head as the hairline slowly begins to recede.
Genetically speaking, the culprit is the androgen receptor gene (AR). This gene controls how sensitive cells are to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as this hormone has a massive impact on a man’s hair growth cycle, with the hair gradually becoming thinner and thinner over time due to the shrinkage of hair follicles caused by DHT.[3]
Stages of male pattern baldness
Typically, the stages of male pattern baldness start with a visibly receding hairline at the front of a man’s head. This recession slowly moves backward forming an ‘M’ shape, which is often combined with the circular area at the back of the head (known as the vertex) also thinning and expanding in size.
This process then ultimately leads to the common U-shaped ‘horseshoe’ pattern on the sides of the head as the hair becomes thinner and fully bald on the back.[4]
Genetic factors & risk
Unfortunately, male pattern baldness is heavily dependant on the genes you’ve inherited from your parents, and in some cases it can even begin to affect males as early as their teens. While it has often been widespread as myth, it is not true that male pattern baldness is handed down specifically from one’s mother’s family, as it has been proven that it actually occurs in the mingling between both parents’ genes.
It’s important to note that male pattern baldness is rarely a sign of another underlying medical issue, but it has often been linked with some other conditions such as coronary heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.[5]
So, if you notice that your male pattern baldness stages have quickly accelerated at any point, then it is important to speak to your GP to rule out anything more malicious.
Treatment options
Thankfully there are now lots of safe options for treating your male pattern baldness, depending on the severity of your condition. Two of the most common prescriptions for this scenario are Finasteride and Minoxidil.
What is finasteride?
Finasteride is taken as an oral tablet and has been proven to be a highly effective method of male hair loss treatment for 80%-90% of those who begin in the early stages of male pattern baldness. In many cases, it has also resulted in reversing the process by stimulating full hair regrowth.
Finasteride works by blocking the formation of DHT. However, it’s important to be aware of the known side effects which can sometimes occur when regularly taking Finasteride.
These can include:
- Loss of libido and inability to get or keep an erection
- Tenderness on or around the nipples
- Depression
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil can be taken in tablet form or used as a topical solution. While it is an effective treatment and has been shown to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth and strengthen existing strands of hair, it is unlikely that you will see full regrowth as a result of using the medication - and some men fail to see much improvement at all after beginning this drug.
Both hair transplants and laser therapy have become common forms of treatment for male pattern baldness and are known to be very effective but these can be costly. If going down this route, your GP might also recommend using other medications in tandem with whichever procedure you choose.
Preventive measures
For the best results, it’s vital to start whichever male hair loss treatment you decide as early as possible to combat your male pattern baldness. If you choose to take either Finasteride or Minoxidil, it’s also worth noting that any progress that has been made as a result of these will begin to regress as soon as you stop taking the medication.
For additional information on hair loss causes and prevention in women, take a look at our blog post on 8 reasons for hair loss in women.
Conclusion
Male pattern baldness can be upsetting and might come as a shock for many men. But as we’ve outlined above, there are a range of options available for someone dealing with this condition at any point in life. So whether you choose to embrace your new look or want to address your male pattern baldness stages before they develop further, it’s never been easier to tackle male pattern baldness head-on.
How HealthHero can help
If you are living with male pattern badness and want to explore your options, HealthHero offers effective treatments for male hair loss that can be prescribed. Our experienced team of Irish-registered doctors will provide expert advice and can discuss prescriptions for suitable medications. So don't hesitate to get professional advice from a GP online.
