Male Pattern Baldness Rooted in the Scalp

Hair is always seen as a sign of beauty. So if you find loose hairs on your pillow when you wake up in the morning, it could increase your concern about hair loss. However, it shouldn't be a matter to bother you as loosing a few hairs on a daily basis is normal. But when you are suffering from male pattern baldness, you need to seek proper medical help to treat it. The first step towards male hair loss treatment should be understanding the anatomy of hair and hair growth cycle.

Hair growth cycle

Hair grows from a single sac-like structure known as follicle. According to an estimate, an average person has about one hundred thousand hair follicles. A normal growth cycle of hair consists of three stages: (a) Growth stage, (b) Resting state, and (c) Shedding state. During the growth phase, hair grows to its full length and it typically lasts for about three to five years. About 90% of hair follicles get involved during this phase. In the resting state of hair growth cycle, the length of hair remains same for about two to four months. During the shedding state, hair sheds so that new hair can be grown. This is the shortest of the three stages of hair growth cycle.

This pattern of hair growth can get disrupted with hormonal changes or certain illnesses.

Causes of male hair loss

Male pattern hair loss can be caused by genetic factors. Scientific studies suggest that a particular gene inherited from either parent that can cause male hair loss. Hormonal factors can be another reason for this pattern of hair loss. In particular, hair follicles become sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is formed by conversion of testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Due to over-sensitivity to DHT, hair follicles shrink in their sizes. They shrink to such an extent that they are not able to sustain hair and even regrow new hair. The hair follicles themselves do not disappear, they are just unable to grow hair.

Pattern of male hair loss

Male pattern hair loss often starts with receding hairline at the temples and the crown. Eventually the areas join together and a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair appears on both sides of the head. A bald patch appears on the vertex and frontal thinning of hair continues. Baldness can either appear in patches or in a uniform manner.

Although, there is no cure of male pattern hair loss, prescription medication can help slow the rate of hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Medicinal approach to treat male pattern baldness

Propecia is a prescription medication for an effective treatment of male pattern baldness. It can be taken on the recommendation of a doctor, who can prescribe Propecia only after diagnosing your hair loss condition. Finasteride is the active ingredient in Propecia, which works by inhibiting the action of 5-alpha reductase hormones. In this way, it controls the conversion of dihydrotestosterone from testosterone. Finasteride also helps in healing damaged hair follicles to help them regain their ability to grow new hair. It can take about 3-12 months to see some noticeable and positive results with Propecia.

Propecia is an established prescription-only medication that is trusted upon by many men for treating male pattern baldness. This medication should always be taken under the supervision of a doctor to avoid any side effects. Let's read on to know how Propecia treats male pattern baldness.