Causes of baldness | Male pattern baldness
More people are becoming aware that hair loss affects both men and women but baldness remains a fate reserved mostly for men. Unlike hair loss though, baldness cannot be treated as such and must be prevented when the telling signs become apparent. If addressed early with the right treatment, it is entirely possible for men to prevent baldness and even re-grow lost hair.
What causes baldness?
Male pattern baldness is the most common cause for hair loss in men, affecting 1 in 3 by the age of 30. It’s an inherited condition that can begin as early as puberty and causes gradual thinning hair which, if left untreated, could lead to baldness.
Male pattern baldness is the result of a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which attaches to certain hair follicles and causes them to shrink, stunting the hair growth cycle. This means each strand of hair becomes finer and shorter and if the follicles eventually become dormant, hair growth could cease altogether.
While there is nothing that can prevent hair loss in those with a genetic predisposition, there are treatments that can control and even reverse the balding process when it starts to become apparent.
What are the early signs?
The Norwood Scale is the most recognised measure of the progression of male pattern baldness. If your hairline is at Class 3 on the Norwood Scale it could be an indication that you may lose more hair. But it’s difficult to say how much more or how quickly so you should consider consulting a specialist if your hairline has progressed to this stage.
Other signs and symptoms of hair loss include thinning hair on top of the scalp and the gradually appearance of a bald spot, a developing widow’s peak, or diffuse-spread hair loss over the entire scalp. If there’s a family history of male or female pattern baldness, it is likely to increase your chance of developing the condition.
How can baldness be prevented?
Male pattern baldness is by far the most common condition that the Belgravia Centre deals with. Depending on the stage of hair loss, various combinations of clinically proven hair loss treatments, hair growth booster products and supplements may be prescribed to give each person the opportunity to achieve the best possible results. Most men will experience hair loss stabilisation and varying degrees of regrowth in a reasonably short period of time and you can see examples of their results by browsing through hundreds of photo-scans and hair loss success stories at www.belgraviacentre.com.
Are there any last minute treatment options for baldness?
If your hair loss has progressed to a Class 6 or 7 on the Norwood Scale, you might not have as many options as someone seeking treatment at Class 3 or 4. You could consult a specialist about a hair transplant but if you have minimal hair at the sides and back, there may not be enough active hair follicles remaining to be redistributed throughout your scalp. A hair replacement system is the only way to hide complete baldness, but with so many celebrities and sportsmen shaving their heads, embracing baldness might not be such a terrible thing either.
This article is written by Kate Moody
Last Editorial Review: 30/6/2010
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