Baldness can be caused by different factors in different men. Not all types of male hair loss are similar in nature and in case you are experiencing gradual loss of hair and want to do something to prevent it, you should first have an idea about different types of baldness.
Types of baldness
Male hair loss can be of 4 basic types – androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. Androgenic alopecia, which also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common type of progressive hair loss. It is characterised by a gradual receding hairline and simultaneous fall of hair at the top of the head. Eventually you are likely to be left with a thin covering of hair on either side of your head.
Alopecia areata, sometimes referred to as spot baldness, is characterised by patchy hair loss on the scalp. Heredity is believed to be one of the major factors behind this type of hair loss. In the event of severe hair loss, certain medications, steroid injections and creams may be of help.
Alopecia totalis is when you lose all of your scalp hair and go completely bald. Its exact causes are not yet known, but it is believed that it may be caused by an overactive immune response or stress. Anti-cancer drugs and corticosteroids can effectively treat alopecia totalis.
The last type of hair loss, alopecia universalis, is a rare condition characterised by rapid loss of body hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. As of now, there is no known treatment for this type of baldness.
What causes androgenic alopecia?
As mentioned already, androgenic alopecia is the most common among all types of male hair loss. Its causes can be genetic or hormonal, or a combination of both. You may be a prime candidate for this type of hair loss if someone in your immediate family has/had it. Also, male pattern baldness can be caused by an androgenic hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is seen that many men suffering from androgenic alopecia tend to have hair follicles that grow genetically sensitive to DHT. As a result, the hair follicles shrink and lose their ability to produce new hair.
Experts have also observed that those who suffer from male pattern baldness have increased levels of 5-alpha-reductase, free testosterone and DHT, and decreased levels of total testosterone. Such hormonal imbalance can trigger loss of hair in a particular pattern and discourage hair regrowth. Medical treatment can be one of the better ways to correct the hormonal imbalance and stop male pattern hair loss. Let’s find out how.
How can male pattern baldness be treated medically?
Propecia (finasteride) is among the most sought after medicines to stop hair loss and possibly to regrow new hair. Finasteride is the drug which is branded under the trade name Propecia. By blocking 5-alpha-reductase, it prevents the testosterone-dihydrotestosterone conversion to stop hair loss. Propecia is available only on prescription and you should never take it without a doctor’s approval. Talk to a doctor today to find out whether or not it is the right medicine for you.
