Male Pattern Baldness - Frequently Asked Questions
What is hair?
Hair is basically a form of skin. It is made up of a protein called keratin and grows everywhere on the body with the exception of the lips and eyelids and the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Each shaft of hair is made of two or three inter-twined layers of keratin which grow from a follicle beneath the skin. Hair grows more quickly in the summer and more slowly at night.
Is Hair Loss and Male Pattern Baldness Hereditary?
The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. The most common type is known as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
It is not inevitable that you will go bald but keep in mind that about 95% of male hair loss from the scalp is due to your inheritance.
Can Hair Loss be Treated?
Can hair loss and baldness in men be treated? It depends. If your hair loss is as a result of medication, hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems or some underlying cause such as diabetes then your doctor may be able to help.
Medicines may help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil (Rogaine) applied to the scalp has been shown to help male pattern baldness.
Another medicine, finasteride (Propecia) is available with prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working.
Treatments for male pattern baldness usually only show some limited response
What Causes Excessive Hair Loss in Men?
There are a number of causes of excessive and / or rapid hair loss. Many people experience dramatic levels of hair loss some weeks after major surgery or after illness. Whilst the level of hair loss may appear excessive it is really no more than a reaction to a specific event and hair will return to normal after a period of time.
Medications may cause hair loss. Some anticoagulants and many chemotherapy regimes used in cancer treatments are well known for this. Hair usually returns once the medication stops. Some anti-depressants may result in hair loss and too much vitamin A can have the same effect.
Other physical reasons for hair loss includes hormonal imbalances, over or under-active thyroid and certain fungal infections can all result in hair loss.
Hair loss may also signal some underlying problem like diabetes or lupus. As it is not always possible to assess the cause for rapid or excessive hair loss it is always worth seeking medical advice to diagnose the cause for your hair loss.
Can Weakness or Fatigue Cause Hair Loss?
It is possible that feeling weakand fatigued can be a sign that you have some deficiency such as iron or zinc. Fatigue may also be stress related or you may be experiencing the first signs of thyroid deficiency.
Medications can also have an effect on stamina and hair.
If you are experiencing any of these features you should really see your doctor for a proper examination to exclude disease or illness
What is Normal Hair Loss?
It is normal to lose up to about 100 hairs a day although too much brushing,hair rubbing or excessive washing can add to this.
Hair loss may increase with age but male-pattern baldness is not abnormal, or a sign of abnormality, it simply suggests that your pattern of hair loss is, like 95% of hair loss, genetically pre-determined.
Why does hair go gray?
Gray hair, as most people know, is strongly associated with the natural aging process. Hair colour comes from cells located in the root of each hair and as people age the pigmentation begins to slow down. The process of going gray is genetically predetermined and this slow process stops at gray for some people but moves on to white for others. White hair basically signals that no pigment remains to colour the hair. Despite common folklore there is no evidence that stress causes gray hair.
Why does hair go gray?
Gray hair, as most people know, is strongly associated with the natural aging process. Hair colour comes from cells located in the root of each hair and as people age the pigmentation begins to slow down. The process of going gray is genetically predetermined and this slow process stops at gray for some people but moves on to white for others. White hair basically signals that no pigment remains to colour the hair. Despite common folklore there is no evidence that stress causes gray hair.
What does scalp reduction involve?
Balding areas of the scalp may be surgically removed to decrease the appearance of baldness. Scalp reduction is usually used in conjunction with grafts or flaps. Devices may be used to stretch the scalp, expanding areas where hair grows. The effectiveness of scalp reduction depends on the degree of hair loss and the elasticity of the scalp. As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation and scalp reduction present certain risks, including scarring and infection. If you are considering one of these treatments, discuss the risks with your doctor.
Can I prevent hair loss during chemotherapy?
Some of the newer chemotherapy drugs are actually able to target cancer cells better and leave hair cells intact. In addition, some cancer patients who take at least 1000 IU of Vitamin E daily several weeks before chemotherapy have been shown to lose less hair. However, it's important to talk to your doctor before trying any potential hair-saving remedies before or during chemotherapy
Can herbs like Dong Quai or Saw Palmetto cure baldness?
Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens that have been known to stabilize and even reverse genetic hair loss. Scientists believe phytoestrogens work by blocking androgen-receptor sites and reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. (Androgens are produced by the male sex organs and are a major factor in inherited baldness.) Saw Palmetto's active compounds - free fatty acids and phytosterols - are also thought to reduce the effects of DHT by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that contributes to androgenetic alopecia.