Hair loss in men is one of the most commonly encountered problems in dermatology clinics. Ny iof the scarring and non-scarring alopecia can occur in men. However, Androgenetic alopecia or Male Pattern Hair loss is the most common.
It is characterized the progressive recession of the anterior hairline and a thinning of hair over the frontal and the crown area. The hair in the posterior part of the head are more permanent and hair loss from these areas is not so common.

Causes

Genes

Most of the men affected with MPHL have a strong genetic predisposition. A family history of baldness or hairloss in maternal, paternal or both families is frequently encountered. A positive family history gives a clue to the pattern of hair loss and also puts the person at greater of early baldness.

Hormones

The male hormone testosterone is responsible to a great extent for MPHL. Testosterone gets converted in body to 5-dihydrotestosterone (5-DHT) which has an adverse effect on the scalp hair present on the anterior parts of the head. The hair on the posterior aspect of the scalp are resistant to the action of 5-DHT. This hormone causes the hair to become thinner and shorter with every hair cycle (miniaturization of hair) until the time when hair is lost permanently from the scalp.
All men have the male hormone (testosterone) but not all of them have MPHL. The explanation could be twofold:
1. Increase concentration of serum testosterone in the body which could be natural or due to heavy muscle training in bodybuilders.
2. The hair of certain individuals may be more sensitive to the effect of 5-DHT (increased end organ sensitivity).

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation– to confirm the diagnosis and grade of severity.
Trichoscopy- to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity
Hormonal evaluation- in cases suspected to have a hormonal imbalance as the cause of MPHL

Treatment

Treatment needs to be started as early as possible and needs to be continued for as long as possible. The medicines need to be taken regularly without any breaks. The response takes around 6-9 months to be visible to naked eyes.
For individuals with early stages of MPHL, medicines in the form of lotions and tablets can be started.

People with severe hair loss with bald scalp can opt for a hair transplant as the medicines are not able to grow hair from the completely bald areas. DERMAONE HAIR TRANSPLANT CLINIC has been doing hair transplant in very advanced cases routinely.