Male Pattern Baldness
Over 40% of men from all around the world are destined to fall victim of Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. This insidious and crafty disease may strike them as early as in their 20-ies or, if lucky enough –in their late 30-ies or 40-ies. Unfortunately, regardless the onset age - “getting bald” is an equally stressful and unpleasant process for both the young and the middle-aged sufferer. Is it usually accompanied by a significant drop in self-esteem and a swift worsening of self-image. Besides, the very knowing that by your late 50-ies the genetical “baldness heritage” will be without any doubt supplemented by hormonal changes and lead to complete hairlessness… is not one comforting thought!
The universality and the ubiquity of this disastrous Hair Loss disorder, the huge number of potential Hair Loss patients (the so-called ‘target audience’) – fully and completely justifies the emergence of such massive industry of Hair Loss combatants. Laser Surgery, the whole bunch of natural- and chemical-based pharmaceuticals etc. - are all ways to fight or reverse Androgenic Alopecia.
What are the Causes of Male Pattern Baldness?
The #1 cause of male pattern baldness is tightly related to overproduction of a certain androgen hormone in the body, known as di-hydro-testosterone. This hormone intervenes with scalp cells and hair-follicles thus breaking the normal flow of healthy hair growth process. Elevated levels of di-hydro-testosterone concentration mean lowered levels of testosterone (regular male hormone) concentration. Such “hormone substitution” occurs as a result of 5-alpha-reductase overproduction – an enzyme responsible for the ‘testosterone 2 di-hydro-testosterone’ conversion. Other Hair Loss provoking influences and factors include general health disorders, poor nutrition and diet habits, the use of certain medications and, of course, stress.
How to Diagnose?
As with any other health issue it is extremely important to properly diagnose the newly-appeared Hair Loss disorder. Whereas other conditions such as Folliculitis or Alopecia Areata may show similar to Male Pattern Baldness symptoms - it is vital to know its own unique distinctive symptoms. The most specific, purely ‘Androgenic Alopecia’-attributable sign – is the set pattern the whole balding process follows right from the beginning:
· The hair retreats at the temples and the crown.
· The front hairline backs off and forms an ‘M-shape’.
· The bald patch at the crown spreads to meet the front retreat and the small “tuft” left at the top eventually disappears as well.
Hair-regrowing treatments are only successful when applied to ‘baby-haired’ surfaces, i.e. surfaces where follicles can already be identified. Why? A Follicle is a Hair-curb. So dealing with the health of a follicle – you’re dealing with the health of a new-born hair.
When should I sound the alarm and go see a Doctor?
Whenever you start loosing hair suddenly and unexpectedly, or in clumps, or whenever you notice too much hairs left on your pillow in the morning, your clothes in the evening, your comb after combing your hair and your bathtub after washing it – be certain, it’s time to fix a rendez-vous with a dermatologist. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are now one of them Male Pattern Baldness sufferers… just that another yet unexplained case of Hair Loss requires a diagnosis. Remember – Most Hair Loss disorders are treatable.