Male pattern baldness, also known as “androgenic alopecia”, is a prevalent kind of hair loss in men. Due to changes in hormone levels, it usually happens in later life. For guys, it is distressing psychologically. Male pattern baldness will have some impact on more than 50% of all males over the age of 50, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). For Indian guys, the situation isn’t much different either.
Symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness
Atypical patterns of hair loss can be seen. Rapid hair loss, widespread shedding, patchy hair loss, and hair breaking are all possible. If you notice any of the following signs in addition to hair loss, you should think about starting a prescription medication:
• Scaling
• Itching
• Redness
• Irritation of the skin
• Itching of the scalp
Causes of male pattern baldness
1. Hormones: A hormonal problem can cause male-pattern baldness. It has a connection to androgens, which are male sex hormones that also regulate hair growth. Balding is caused by a man’s hormone levels fluctuating throughout the course of his life. The disease is also influenced by genetics. It permits the hair follicles—tiny cavities on the scalp—to progressively contract. Hair strands continue to thin and shorten until no more hair grows.
2. Genetics: Male pattern baldness that is inherited has no negative effects. However, it’s crucial to visit your doctor frequently if the baldness is brought on by a more serious condition, such as cancer, medication, thyroid problems, or anabolic steroids. Baldness is frequently identified by a doctor based on the pattern of hair loss.
As per Dr. Seutkan K, a dermatologist, “Male Pattern Baldness is evaluated as a hereditary disease.”
3. Others: Other factors that contribute to baldness include rashes, redness, discomfort, peeling of the scalp, and hair loss. The best technique to determine whether a condition is the cause of hair loss is through a skin biopsy and blood tests.
Who can be affected?
Male pattern baldness can start appearing in teenage boys, although older men are more likely to have it. Genetics plays an important role here. Men are more at risk if they have close relatives who have baldness. When their relatives are on their mother’s side of the family, this is especially true.
The Best Way to Spot Male Pattern Baldness
Here are some ways to tell if your hair loss and thinning hair are signs of male pattern baldness or just a seasonal shock.
1. The hair on top of your head is thinning
To see your head’s crown, look in a mirror. Start at your forehead and work your way backwards to find thinning hair. Male pattern baldness can start out as patches or a reduction in volume. In the later stages, you may see your scalp through the hair.
2. Look for bald spots
With the aid of a mirror, attempt to see everywhere on your head. On top of your head or close to the back of your skull, you can detect some thinning or balding spots.
3. Search everywhere for hair
You may find pieces of your hair on your pillow, hairbrush, comb, bedsheets, or the back of your t-shirt, to name a few places. Normal hair loss happens every day, but baldness can cause a lot of hair loss that lasts for a long time.
4. Watch for itchiness or soreness
Alopecia is characterised by hair loss and an itchy or painful scalp. Additionally, it may result in painful red, flaky pimples on your scalp. If you observe something similar, seek medical attention and take the appropriate prescription.
5. Hair growth is taking longer than normal
Your scalp’s hair grows an inch in length every few months. You might notice that it’s taking a bit longer for your hair to grow back to its normal appearance following a haircut since male pattern baldness can influence your hair count. Additionally, you can observe thinning hair growth.
6. Speak with a professional
A hair loss specialist is your best bet if you have any doubts regarding your hair loss. The appearance and pattern of hair loss are used to diagnose male pattern baldness. A dermatologist or doctor may inspect your scalp and inquire in depth about your close relatives.
How Long Before You Go Bald?
You don’t suddenly go bald. It takes place across several months, years, and occasionally decades. The hair on your scalp gradually becomes thinner, and your hairline gradually recedes. The length of time it takes to become bald is unknown. It depends on how sensitive you are to DHT’s effects. No matter what stage of male pattern baldness you’re in, it’s critical to begin treatment as soon as the diagnosis is made to stop the issue from getting worse.
Conclusion
Male pattern baldness is most strongly correlated with your genetics and hormonal changes. But if you keep an eye on a few things, you might be able to completely stop or delay the process. Know that just because your hair is thinning doesn’t make you any less attractive. Yes, the appropriate styling can work wonders for you. But for a long time, you shouldn’t let your hair determine how valuable you are. Any therapeutic or preventative measures you intend to take should start and end with confidence. And if you decide to let nature run its course, do it firmly