Search:

Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness and Hair Loss

By: Andrew Kelly Most men will have lost some hair, and will, most likely display an amount of graying, by the time they reach the age of 55. There are various types of hair loss and balding but the type that develops in a particular pattern is known as male pattern baldness.

Alopecia is the medical name for hair loss and androgenetic alopecia is the correct medical name for the type of hair loss known as Male pattern baldness (MPB). MPB is generally caused by the effects of a hormone, dihydrotestosterone, upon the hair follicles found on the scalp.

Even though MPB is known to be a genetic problem it can still come as a shock if you begin to notice the early signs of hair loss at a relatively early age. The fact is that androgenetic alopecia can develop at any age between 20 and fifty. The fact that it is genetic means that we can get an idea of what might happen to us by seeing what happens to our fathers and grandfathers.

Looking good is vital to one's mental well-being. There appears to be ever increasing pressure laid upon us to look young, healthy and fresh. Unfortunately, for many men, male pattern baldness can give the impression of increased age and there is a bit of a stigma attached to it. Therefore many men find talking about MPB problematic but most would admit to investigating solutions. Luckily there are a few things that sufferers of MPB can do to either reduce it's progression or minimize it's appearance.

Male pattern baldness is not, strictly speaking, a medical condition. As it is genetic there is little that can be done to 'cure' it. However there have recently been a couple of interesting drugs developed that help to stop the progression of MPB. If these drugs do not work, or you already have extensive baldness, you have no option than to use a wig, or hair piece, or spend a small fortune on cosmetic surgery.

Minoxidil is an incredible topical application that really does help reduce the ongoing effects of androgenetic alopecia. Most people interested in MPB will be more familiar with the product that use this amazing ingredient, Rogaine. Annoyingly it does not really make the hair grow back and you need to keep on using it continually for it to stop hair loss.

Propecia and Proscar are two other well known treatments for MPB. Both treatments use Finasteride, which is an oral medication, to stop the body from producing dihydrotestosterone (and therefore stoping hair loss). Sadly this is another treatment that is required on a continual basis as ceasing it will cause the hair loss to return.

Cosmetic surgery for male pattern baldness is incredible but, if it goes wrong, it can be a complete nightmare. Please, if you are planning such cosmetic surgery, do not take short cuts. Make use you use the best cosmetic surgeon available in your area. After all, we are talking about one of the most visible parts of your body.

The last treatment for male pattern baldness that we shall investigate is not really a treatment, rather, it is a solution to a problem. Wigs have been available for thousands of years and are still a popular solution to hair loss. Available as smaller hair pieces it is important that you do not opt for the cheapest wigs. Good quality wigs are made from real hair and are therefore rather expensive. However the results are spectacular.