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What causes male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is influenced by genes and the male sex hormones, also known as androgens. More specifically, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affects individual follicles, causing the hairs inside them to become thinner and grow for a shorter period.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a common type of hair loss that affects at least half of all men at some point. It's often thought to be passed down from mothers to sons. However, research shows that male pattern baldness is actually inherited from both sides of the …

What are the symptoms of male pattern baldness?

As the name suggests, male pattern baldness occurs in a particular pattern. It usually starts with the hair receding around the temples, followed by general thinning and balding on top of the scalp. In many cases, hair remains at the sides …

Who gets male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness affects at least half of all men at some point. It's more likely with increasing age or if one or both parents also experience pattern hair loss. However, some people also just naturally have hair follicles that are more sensitive to …

Is male pattern baldness inherited from the mother's side?

Historically, male pattern baldness was often thought to be passed down from mothers to sons. However, research now indicates that it's most likely inherited from both sides of the family.

How is male pattern baldness diagnosed?

Your doctor will most likely diagnose male pattern baldness by looking at your scalp and asking questions about your family history and rate of hair loss. A blood test may also be done to confirm or rule out an underlying medical condition, such as …

How is male pattern baldness treated?

Treatment options for male pattern baldness include camouflage techniques, medications and hair transplant surgery. However, in most cases hair loss is permanent. Medications tend to slow the progress of hair loss, rather than produce new hair growth.

What is hair transplant surgery?

During hair transplantation, a doctor removes 'donor grafts' of hair from the back and sides of the scalp for relocation to bald areas. Each graft contains one or more hairs still attached to a small patch of skin. Surgery can take up to several hours and …

Can male pattern baldness be prevented?

As male pattern baldness is largely caused by genetic and hormonal factors, it's generally considered to be a natural process that can't be prevented. However, eating a balanced diet containing healthy levels of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid may …

What is the outlook for pattern baldness?

Pattern baldness is usually permanent, but it doesn't cause any other physical symptoms, apart from hair loss. Treatment results vary from person to person depending on the option chosen and amount of hair remaining. Generally though, medications …

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About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 75 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Alopecia (hair loss)

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