Hair loss due to genetics also known as pattern baldness or hereditary hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in men. This hereditary hair loss condition usually begins when a man is in his early thirties start losing hair from the temples and crown in ‘M’ shape resulting into complete baldness. With male pattern baldness, the hair follicle becomes smaller, and it grows shorter and finer strands, and eventually stops growing hair altogether.Hereditary-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. Though, it is not really a disease, but a natural condition caused by some combination of genetics, hormone levels and the aging process.
Almost all men and women will notice hair thinning or hair loss at some point of time in life. However, up to 40% of men and women will experience a more obvious form of this condition. Hair loss typically begins in the 20s and 30s, although in women the changes are most noticeable after menopause. The condition is also called androgenetic alopecia in females and male-pattern baldness in men.
With the influence of male hormone testosterone the normal cycle of the hair growth changes, resulting in thinner, shorter or “miniaturized” hair. Eventually, hair growth in certain parts of the scalp stops entirely, which causes the typical pattern of hair loss. The baldness is generally inherited from one’s mother’s family, but the condition seems to depend on genes contributed by both parents.
Symptoms of Hereditary Pattern Baldness
In men, hair loss typically begins at the temples and crown and proceeds in an M-shaped pattern leaving only a rim of hair along the side and back of the scalp.
In women, hair loss tends to be more widespread but non-noticeable. The top of the head is most commonly affected. Unlike men, the hairline along the forehead and temples usually remains normal in women. Hereditary-pattern baldness begins with thinning of the hair in females and often progresses to complete hair loss on parts of the scalp. However, you may not notice excessive hair on your pillow, in the tub or on the comb. The average non-balding person loses 100 hairs per day, and more hair loss may due to after childbirth, shock or a serious illness.
Diagnosis
Hereditary-pattern baldness usually is diagnosed by the pattern of hair loss or family history of the same type of hair loss among family members. Mostly, no further tests are required.
In some cases, a medical history and exam may be performed to rule out your health conditions, fungal conditions of the scalp, or nutritional disorders that may be responsible. Health conditions are suspected when the hair loss is accompanied with redness, pain, rash, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patchy hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss. A skin biopsy and blood tests also may be used to diagnose disorders responsible for the hair loss.
Prevention
When you begin to lose hair in a hereditary pattern, you may be able to slow further hair loss by using minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia). Minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp twice daily. It can help to slow further hair loss in some people, and within four to eight months there may be some hair regrowth.
Finasteride is a prescription-only pill that blocks the formation of the type of testosterone that affects hair growth.
Treatment
With time, many treatment solutions have been made available to people in order to deal with male pattern baldness which can be embarrassing at times.
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Hair Transplantation Surgery
This is an invasive procedure wherein tiny plugs of skin with full hair thickness is removed from one part of the body (usually the back or side of the scalp) and transplanted into the bald patch. Several surgeries are usually performed over a few months.
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Scalp Reduction
As the name suggests, scalp reduction involves reducing the size of the scalp. The doctor stretches the skin on the top of the head and cuts some of it away, thereby reducing the total area of bald skin. In a procedure known as a “flap,” the doctor stretches a piece of skin that has hair on it and folds it over the bald area. Scalp reduction is often combined with hair transplantation.
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Low Level Laser Light Therapy
Low Level Laser Light Hair Therapy is an advanced hair loss treatment solution. Being a non-invasive procedure, many people gave a thumbs up to LLLT. This treatment solution is known to help men and women who are suffering from hair loss achieve fuller and thicker hair. With “soft” laser, Low Level Laser Therapy works to stabilize further hair loss and typically stimulates hair re-growth in male and female patients.
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Hair pieces
You can also opt for hair accessories and hair pieces to cover those bald patches most conveniently. Wigs and hair extensions are made out of human hair that can blend with your original hair giving you a more natural look and feel. Wigs are used since decades to cover thinning hair, receding hairlines, and baldness. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures. For a natural look, it is important that you choose wig that looks similar to your original hair.
