What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)

What is Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)?

It is a very common form of hair loss which can affect up to 50% of men by age 50. It is usually inherited (meaning that your father or mother is likely to have it as well). It can start as early as after puberty in some cases.

What are the causes of Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)?

In most cases, it is due to the genes you inherited from either your father or mother or both. Typically, if you are affected by the condition, the hair follicles start to shrink with time under the influence of male hormones.

and then what happens?

As the condition progress, the hair thickness also starts to become thinner and over time, the hair is lost.
In most cases, it starts with the recession of the hairline around the temples and also around the forehead area. Then hair around the top of the head (the crown) also becomes less. In time, the areas of baldness will join together. However, hair at the back of the head is usually not affected in this condition.
See other types of Hair Loss Conditions

Is male pattern hair loss only a cosmetic concern?

No. There are studies that show a link between those affected by the condition to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (i.e. hypertension, heart attacks, strokes)
Also, it is associated with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can cause symptoms like, an increase in frequency to pass urine, waking up multiple times at night to pass urine and as a result affect the quality of your sleep.
In addition, it has been found in studies that men who use anabolic steroids are also associated with increased risk of the condition. Similarly, persons on testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadism are at increased risk of the condition as well.
Some studies also found that increased levels of DHEA (another sex hormone ) or low levels of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) which in turn means that there is more free man hormones that your body can use are also associated with the condition as well.
There are also studies to show that there is a link between the condition and prostate cancer. A large Australian study suggests that loss of hair at the top of the head at age 40 may be an early marker of prostate cancer.

What are the available treatments for Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)?

Medical Treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss (Andorgenic Alopecia)

1. Topical Solution for Hair Loss

This Hair loss treatment works by slowing the shrinkage of the hair follicles
The Advantage of using  Topical Solution for Hair Loss

• Simple to use
• Apply on hair daily up to twice a day

The Disadvantage of using  Topical Solution for Hair Loss

• Takes up to 6 months to notice the effect
• Need to use it on a permanent basis as hair loss resumes after stopping

2. Oral Medication for Hair Loss

This Hair loss Treatment works by blocking the conversion of male hormones to DHT which causes shrinkage of the hair follicles
The Advantage of using Oral Medication for Hair Loss

• Unlike lotion which only slows the shrinkage of hair follicles, it has been suggested that medication is able to reverse the shrinkage of hair follicles

The Disadvantage of using  Oral Medication for Hair Loss

• In about 1-2% of men who take the medication, they reported a decrease in sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
• A decrease in PSA levels which may cause an underestimation of risk of prostate cancer
• Takes up to 6 months to notice effects
• Need to use it on a permanent basis as hair loss resumes after stopping

3.) Hair Transplant for Hair Loss

Strips of hair from the back of your head are removed and then individually transplanted to the area of hair loss.
The Advantage of Hair Transplant

• Can notice effect around 3 months

The Disadvantage of Hair Transplant

• Downtime (recovery time after hair transplant)
• Can take up to few hours for the procedure depending on the area that needs to be transplanted
• Expensive (Average cost > $15,000)
• Failure of the hair grafts may occur

4.) Regenera Activa for Hair Loss

Similar to hair transplant, hair from the back of the head is removed and then using a specialised machine, hair follicular units are harvested and then injected into the area of hair loss.
The Advantage of Regenera Activa

• It has been approved by FDA for medical treatment
• Much smaller area of hair (3 x 2.5 mm) needed to be removed from the back of the head compared to hair transplant
• Can notice effect around 3 months
• Faster than hair transplant procedure (generally takes about 30 mins)
• No downtime
• Cheaper than hair transplant
• Last for 18 months to 24 months depending on individuals

Learn more about Regenera Activa Hair Loss Treatment.

If you think you may have male pattern hair loss, please speak to any of our friendly doctors at any of our clinics to discuss further, or Drop us an email at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg