Male Pattern Baldness

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Male Pattern Baldness: Understanding the Causes and Treatment Options

Male hair loss is a common experience, affecting millions of men worldwide. In fact, by the age of 70, 4 out of 5 men will have some form of baldness and for 50% of them, it will be because of male pattern baldness.

While medically seen as a minor skin condition, the psychological and social impact of male pattern baldness is significant, especially for younger men who are affected in their late teens or early twenties.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of male pattern baldness, exploring its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

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What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Also known as male androgenetic alopecia (MAA), male pattern baldness, , mainly affects three areas:

Temples: The sides of the forehead, just above the ears.
Crown: The topmost part of the head. Also called the vertex.
Mid-Front: The part between the temples and the crown

Contrary to what most people think, male pattern baldness isn’t excessive hair shedding. Instead, it is the gradual shrinking of hair follicles on certain parts of the scalp. These tiny hair pockets stop producing normal, thick hair (terminal hair) and start making finer, shorter strands (vellus hairs). As more and more of these thinner hairs replace the thicker ones, hair starts to look sparser. Over time, these areas appear bald.

Signs and Progression of MAA

One noteworthy characteristic of male pattern baldness is how it follows a predictable pattern, clinically known as the Norwood-Hamilton scale. This scale outlines hair loss by the following stages:

Stage I: Minimal or no recession of the hairline.
Stage II: Slight recession of the hairline around the temples.
Stage III: Deeper recession at the temples, creating an M-shape when viewed from above.
Stage III Vertex: Recession of the hairline combined with significant thinning or baldness on the crown.
Stage IV: More severe recession of the hairline and a larger bald spot on the crown, but still separated by a band of hair.
Stage V: The bald areas at the temples and crown enlarge and begin to merge. The band of hair across the top of the head becomes narrower.
Stage VI: The bridge of hair across the top of the head is gone, leaving a larger bald area that connects the temples and crown.
Stage VII: The most severe stage, with only a slight band of hair around the sides and back of the head.

Causes of Male Pattern Baldness

Behind male pattern baldness are three contributors: dihydrotestosterone (DHT), genetics, and environmental factors. DHT is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. It attaches to androgen receptors on hair follicles, leading them to contract and produce thinner, weaker hairs. Over time, this process leads to the characteristic thinning and balding seen in MAA. Studies have shown that individuals with MAA often have elevated levels of DHT.

At the same time, those with a stronger genetic predisposition to DHT, i.e., are more sensitive to DHT, often showing signs of pronounced hair loss as early as teenage years. On the other hand, those with a weaker genetic predisposition may not notice significant hair loss until their 60s or 70s.

Male pattern baldness also runs in families. In fact, heredity factors account for 80% of a man’s predisposition to this condition. This means that if one has close relatives, such as a father or grandfather, with MMA, they are more likely to develop male pattern baldness. Twin studies further support the genetic basis for male hair loss, as identical twins often display remarkably similar patterns of hair thinning and balding.

Along with these biological components, several environmental factors can impact hair follicle health furthering the progression of MAA:

excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
Llack of exercise
Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (e.g. iron and vitamin D)
Diets high in processed foods and sugars
Chronic stress and anxiety

MAA Diagnosis

While male pattern baldness (MAA) is visually recognizable, several diagnostic tests are available to confirm it as the cause of male hair loss. A dermatologist or hair loss specialist usually begins with a comprehensive scalp analysis with a dermatoscope to identify the telltale signs of male pattern baldness, such as:

Follicles with less than two hairs (as opposed to the normal 2 – 5)
Single hair per follicle which is thin and lighter than hair color
Modest chronic inflammation around upper part of follicles

Other diagnostic methods include:

Measure of hair thickness and density in affected areas
A positive “hair pull” test, where hair is easily plucked from the scalp
Scalp biopsy to rule out other conditions

Treatment Options for Male Pattern Baldness

While male pattern baldness cannot be completely cured, there are several management options that may slow male hair loss and promote hair regrowth, if possible. It is important to note that the earlier MAA is diagnosed, the better these options work at preserving the remaining hair.

Cosmetic Options

Cosmetic solutions such as hair replacement systems and scalp micro-pigmentation offer immediate results for male pattern baldness. Modern hairpieces are now designed to look natural and can be customized to match hair texture, color, and style.

SMP involves applying pigment to the scalp with a specialized microneedle to give the illusion of a closely shaved haircut. This technique is particularly effective for individuals in the early stages of MAA who present with slight thinning or patchy baldness.

Holistic Regrowth Strategies

Holistic approaches recognize the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in hair health. Therefore, they encompass a range of lifestyle-based methods to promote hair follicle health, such as:

Diet and nutrition
Supplements
Scalp massage and aromatherapy
Stress management

Medications for MAA

One of the primary medical treatments for male pattern baldness is minoxidil, a topical solution or foam. Clinical trials have shown that when applied to the scalp, this drug can stimulate hair follicles and prolong their growth phase. Risks include:

Scalp irritation
Dryness and itching
Unwanted hair growth face and hands that come into contact with the medication

Another option is finasteride, an oral medication that inhibits the production of DHT. However, this mediation is better suited to those whose MAA is more due to a DHT sensitivity. Risks include:

Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Depression

Minimally Invasive Treatments

In recent years, minimally invasive therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and Alma TED have gained popularity for their ability to improve hair follicle health and reduce the likelihood of shrinkage. While results vary from person to person, studies suggest that when these therapies complement other interventions, patients can see significant improvement in hair thickness and density.

Hair Transplantation

For those seeking more definitive results, surgical options like hair transplantation offer a viable solution. This procedure involves relocating healthy hair follicles from donor areas to thinning or balding regions of the scalp. While it can provide natural-looking results, hair transplantation is not without its risks. These include:

Infection at the transplant site
Temporary shock loss of existing hair
Potential unnatural appearance if grafts are not placed correctly
Excess bleeding and scarring

Male pattern baldness is a common yet complex condition. Affecting millions worldwide, it results from a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones, and environmental influencers. While there’s no definitive cure, a range of treatment options exist, from medical interventions to cosmetic solutions that can manage male hair loss and potentially stimulate regrowth.

The importance of early diagnosis here cannot be overstated. Not only does it prevent further hair loss, but it maximizes the chances of successful treatments. Therefore, men with a family history of male pattern baldness or those noticing early signs should consult a hair loss specialist or dermatologist for evaluation and guidance as soon as possible.

For more information, consult with Medi Hair Loss Clinic in Ottawa today. Our hair loss specialists are available to find the cause of your male hair loss and develop a plan to combat male pattern baldness.

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