Male Pattern Hair Loss or Baldness IN HYDERABAD, INDIA
The normal human scalp contains between 100,000 and 140,000 follicles with hair being arranged in groups…
Pattern hair loss, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), or male pattern hair loss (MPHL) in men, is the most common type of Alopecia.
Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss
The normal human scalp contains between 100,000 and 140,000 follicles with hair being arranged in groups of 1-4 called follicular units. It is one of the fastest-growing cells of the human body. Hair does not grow constantly but grows in repetitive cycles consisting of 3 stages ie, Anagen, Catagen and Telogen.
Anagen is the growing phase of hair that accounts for 85% of hair growth. Anagen is followed by Catagen and this phase is the end of active hair growth. Telogen is the resting phase of the hair cycle after which aged hair fall.
People often confuse hair fall with hair loss. Hair fall is common in every individual. Around 10–20% of total hair will be under shedding process i.e., 60-80 hair strands on average is normal. That hair can grow back in 3 months.
About Male Pattern Baldness Symptoms & Treatments
Male Pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common form of hair loss in men affecting almost 50% of the male population. In some cases, It can start as early as in the twenties. In this condition, hair loss happens in genetically susceptible individuals caused by the effects of androgens such as Testosterone and its derivative Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
In AGA patients, terminal hairs gradually get modified into indeterminate hairs and finally lead to vellus hairs. MPHL has several grades and treatment depends on the grade at which it is present.
Medical treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss
There are only 2 drugs approved by FDA and have proven their efficacy in the management of hair loss Minoxidil and Finasteride.
Minoxidil remains the mainstay of therapy for AGA in men. Proper usage instructions for minoxidil should be provided by the consulting doctor
Finasteride shows better results with regard to regrowth of hair. Finasteride decreases the scalp DHT levels and should be taken for at least 6–12 months and for longer periods if tolerated.
Nutritional supplements rich in amino acids can also be prescribed along with minoxidil for 3 to 4 months while initiating therapy. Amino acids, trace elements, and vitamins, including biotin, are considered to be beneficial.
PRP, a new treatment modality, is an autologous preparation of plasma with a high concentration of platelets containing various growth factors and cytokines that improve the body’s inherent capacity to repair and regenerate. PRP therapy is used for treating hair loss.
Other adjuvant treatments include- Cyclical Therapy, Low-level laser therapy, fractional lasers etc.
Hair Transplantation Surgery
According to standard guidelines of care, Hair Transplantation can be done in any person with pattern hair loss, with good donor area, who is in good general health and has reasonable expectations.
FAQs
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
MPHL happens due to genetic susceptibility and hormones. It usually begins with thinning of hairs and a receding hairline or baldness on the crown area of the scalp.
What are the other causes of Hair Loss?
Other causes include stress, hormonal changes, scalp infections, Alopecia Areata, hair pulling disorders, other associated skin diseases, certain medications, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy etc.
Is male pattern baldness treatable?
Yes, medications can slow down the disease and also helps in the regrowth of new hairs, depending upon the grade of hair loss.
How Male Pattern Hair Loss can be diagnosed?
Male Pattern Baldness requires clinical diagnosis. Consult your
Dermatologist who would diagnose the condition by asking few
questions regarding hair fall, family history, etc, examine your scalp, do a
Trichoscopy and helps you regarding the management.