Hair loss occurs in both men and women in distinct patterns. Male pattern baldness or male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is also known as Androgenic Alopecia. According to the American Hair Loss Association, Androgenic Alopecia comprises nearly 95% male hair loss conditions. Studies show that by age 35, nearly two-thirds of men in the country could experience a significant loss of hair on the head and by the age of 50, there is obvious thinning of hair. This process begins before age 21 in 25% of men. Apart from the impact on personal life and relationships, balding affects men’s professional lives too. It’s important to understand current research on symptoms and treatments of male pattern baldness. This can help with early intervention strategies. More information can also bust some of the common myths associated with MPHL. Knowing what causes hair loss is equally important.

Typical Causes of Male Pattern Baldness

• Heredity
  Those with a family history of MPHL inherit the condition from parents. Men with a number of close relatives with pattern hair loss are at higher risk.
• Aging
  MPHL may occur gradually, with aging and in a typical receding hairline pattern in males. The rate of hair growth slows down with aging and the texture of each hair becomes thinner.
• Hormonal activity
  Men may inherit hair follicles with sensitivity to DHT that shortens the lifespan of these follicles till they stop producing hair. Androgens can also influence MPHL. Another study has shown that higher levels of protein Prostaglandin D2 is one of the causative factors. With early intervention, this process can be slowed down or stopped.
• Genetics
  Studies show that race and ethnicity may play a role. MPHL affects 50% of all Caucasian men by age 50 and 80% by age 70.

Symptoms and Treatments of Male Pattern Baldness
The following pointers will elaborate on the symptoms and treatments of male pattern baldness:

• Hair loss at the temples and crown is the typical commencement of MPHL.
• In some cases, a horseshoe pattern of thinning and then finally complete loss may be seen.
• Some men may observe a single thinning spot on the crown of the head in the early stages.
• The hairline forming an M-shaped pattern may also be seen.
• Another pattern resembling a wreath pattern is also common, though it rarely causes complete hair loss. This is known as the Hippocratic wreath.
• Measurement of MPHL is done using the Hamilton-Norwood scale where the severity of baldness can be assessed, though the assessment can vary according to different conclusions arrived at by the assessor.
• A doctor who specializes in scalp and hair (a trichologist) and can give you the right advice.
• There is no known cure for MPHL, though medications like Minoxidil can slow the process down and in some cases, promote new hair growth.
• Another drug used to treat MPHL is Finasteride that helps to slow the activity of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that has been identified as one of the hormones that play a major role in the condition.