Male Pattern Baldness: Causes and Solutions

What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a type of hair loss and thinning that is common in adult men, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
It involves hair loss that starts at the hairline above the temples and leads to a receding hairline.
Hair loss occurs because of changes to the normal hair growth cycle, with hair in affected areas having a shorter growth phase.

Research has shown that individuals with a family history of male pattern baldness are more likely to experience hair loss themselves. Those who experience male pattern baldness often find that its prevalence and severity can vary significantly across different ethnic groups, influenced by genetic background and male hormones.

Genetic Factors and Heredity

Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition, and genetic factors play a significant role in its development. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of male pattern baldness are more likely to experience hair loss themselves. The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that a single copy of the mutated gene is enough to increase the risk of developing pattern baldness.

Studies have identified several genes that contribute to male pattern baldness, including the androgen receptor gene and the 5-alpha-reductase gene. These genes are crucial in regulating hair growth and converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that significantly contributes to hair loss. Understanding these genetic factors can help individuals take proactive steps to prevent or slow down hair loss. For instance, those with a family history of male pattern baldness might consider using medications like finasteride, which blocks DHT production.

Hormonal Influences

Hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in the development of male pattern baldness. DHT is a potent form of testosterone produced in the body through the conversion of testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. When DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles, it leads to a gradual shrinkage of the follicles and a reduction in hair growth. Over time, the hair follicles become smaller and eventually stop producing hair altogether.

Other hormonal imbalances, such as an excess of cortisol or an underactive thyroid gland, can also contribute to hair loss. However, these conditions are less common and typically require medical attention to diagnose and treat. Understanding the hormonal influences on hair loss can help in developing targeted treatments to manage and prevent further hair loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

Male pattern hair loss is an inherited (genetic) condition that affects how some of the hair on your scalp responds to certain male hormones.
It is very common among Caucasian men, affecting about 1 in 5 men in their 20s, 1 in 3 men in their 30s, and nearly 1 in every 2 men in their 40s.
Other population groups, such as Japanese and Chinese men, are generally less affected.
Having a family history of male pattern baldness increases the likelihood of experiencing it.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Male pattern baldness usually starts after puberty and develops gradually. Thinning hair is a significant symptom, often leading to a receding hairline.
You may notice your hair gradually thinning at your temples and your hairline slowly receding.
Hair loss in male pattern baldness doesn’t usually cause hair loss in other areas, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, or the hair at the sides and back of the head.
To diagnose male pattern baldness, your doctor will ask questions about your general health, hair loss, and family history, and perform a physical examination of your scalp. Male pattern baldness diagnosed through this process may sometimes require referrals to specialists for further evaluation.

Medical Management and Hair Regrowth

Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are approved treatments for androgenetic alopecia. It is important to consult with a doctor before starting any hair loss treatment to ensure it is appropriate for your condition and to discuss potential side effects.
Both medications prevent further hair loss but are only partially reversible.
HairMax LaserComb is also FDA-cleared for androgenetic alopecia.
Combining medications with different mechanisms of action can enhance the efficacy of hair regrowth treatment.

Hair Transplant and Surgical Treatments

Hair transplantation involves removing hair from the occipital scalp and re-implanting it into the bald vertex and frontal scalp. A hair transplant requires pre-treatment with medical options to stabilize hair loss and enhance the surgical outcome.
Modern techniques can achieve graft survival rates of over 90%.
Prerequisites for the procedure include stabilization of hair loss with medical treatment and good donor hair population on the occipital scalp.

Innovative Treatments and Research

Researchers are continually exploring new and innovative treatments for male pattern baldness. Some of the most promising areas of research include:

Stem Cell Therapy: Researchers are investigating the use of stem cells to regenerate hair follicles and promote hair growth. This cutting-edge treatment holds the potential to restore hair by stimulating the growth of new hair follicles.
Low-Level Laser Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate hair growth. It works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and energizing hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This treatment involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. PRP is derived from the patient’s blood and contains growth factors that can enhance hair follicle function.
Gene Therapy: Researchers are exploring the use of gene therapy to modify the genes that contribute to male pattern baldness. This innovative approach aims to correct genetic defects and promote healthy hair growth.

These innovative treatments offer new hope for individuals with male pattern baldness, and researchers are continually working to improve and refine these treatments.

Lifestyle Changes and Prevention

Male pattern baldness is hereditary (genetic), so it can’t be prevented. However, early intervention and treatments may be more effective if addressed while hair loss is still at an early stage, which can help prevent male pattern baldness from progressing rapidly.
However, looking after your diet and lifestyle will help maximise your general health, including the health of your hair.
Some treatments for male pattern baldness are more effective when hair loss is still mild.
Maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and getting regular exercise can help promote healthy hair growth.

Nutritional Considerations

A healthy diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for maintaining healthy hair growth. Some of the key nutrients that promote hair growth include:

Protein: Protein is essential for hair growth, and a diet rich in protein can help promote healthy hair. Foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes are excellent sources of protein.
Iron: Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, and ensuring adequate iron intake can help prevent hair loss. Foods rich in iron include red meat, spinach, and lentils.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats promote hair growth and can help reduce inflammation. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that promotes hair growth and can help prevent hair loss. Foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds are high in zinc.
Biotin: Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that promotes hair growth and can help strengthen hair follicles. Eggs, nuts, and whole grains are good sources of biotin.

In addition to a healthy diet, individuals with male pattern baldness may want to consider taking supplements that promote hair growth, such as biotin or saw palmetto.

Camouflage and Wigs

Many men accept male pattern baldness as a normal part of ageing.
You may choose to wear a hairpiece, such as a wig or toupee, or consider medical treatments. Individuals can lose hair on their scalp due to various reasons, and it’s important to distinguish between temporary and permanent hair loss when considering treatment options.
Camouflage techniques, such as hair thickening shampoos and sprays, can also help conceal hair loss.

Living with Male Pattern Baldness

It’s essential to make sure your scalp is protected from the sun and consider wearing a hat or beanie during colder months.
Emotional stress, anxiety, and depression can be associated with male pattern baldness. Female pattern hair loss, on the other hand, has different diagnostic criteria and treatment implications, highlighting the need to understand the specific characteristics and progression of hair loss in women.
Talking to a doctor or therapist can help you cope with the emotional impact of hair loss.

Conclusion

Male pattern baldness is a common condition among men, increasing with age.
MAA may be a marker of increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Hair follicles are complex organs, and changes in them lead to baldness, making hair biology an increasingly fruitful field of scientific endeavor.