| Male pattern excessive hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in men. It normally follows a distinctive pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is triggered by hormones and genetic predisposition.Every couple of months hair grows approximately an inch. Each hair grows for two to six years and after that falls out. Soon a new hair begins to grow in its place. At any one time, about 85% of the hair on your head is in the growing stage and 15% is not.Each hair sits in a cavity in the skin called a follicle. Normally, an enzyme in hair follicles converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates the growth of hair, but also shrinks hair follicles on the scalp, leading to thinner, fuzzier growth. A genetic predisposition, along with high levels of testosterone and DHT, increases the probability of hair loss. Excessive hair loss is observed when the number of shed hair is larger than the rate of re-growth or when the re-growth is thinner and/or shorter than the hair that is shed.Male-pattern undue hair loss does not indicate a disease, but it may badly impact upon self-esteem or lead to anxiety. Since hair loss is a cosmetic defect, treatment is not compulsory if you are satisfied with your appearance.Still, if you are not comfortable with your physical appearance, there are two main drugs used to treat hair loss.Rogaine (minoxidil) is a drug that you rub on the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. It slows hair loss for plenty of males, and some males grow new hair. If you stop applying the medication, the hair will start to fall out as intensively as before application.Propecia (finasteride) is taken daily in a pill form. Propecia slows down the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby precluding the diminishing of hair follicles. The medication must not be taken by women, because it may lead to birth deformities.A range of surgical treatments, such hair follicle transplantation and other similar procedures are also available.You should discuss these options - or any worries you have about undue hair loss - with your family doctor. |
