Androgenetic alopecia,
more commonly known as “male pattern baldness”, is the most
common cause of hair loss in men. It affects approximately
30% of men by age 30 years, 40% by age 40 years, etc., although
the incidence among African Americans and Asians is lower
than in Caucasian men. Heredity is a major factor, and the
genetic predisposition to this type of hair loss can be
transmitted by either or both parents.
Hair loss can also be triggered by changes in the body
or in the external environment, although in these cases
the hair loss is often temporary or reversible. Chemical
formulas used in can cause traction
alopecia, and drug
treatments such as anti-cancer agents can interrupt
the hair’s natural growth
cycle. Stress,
illness, dietary
deficiencies and undergoing surgical
procedures can also cause hair loss.
The psychological effects of hair loss can be significant,
with younger men and men experiencing a greater degree or
earlier onset of hair loss being most affected. Studies
show that most men view hair loss negatively, and many seek
remedial treatment at some stage.
What Can Be Done?
Since the time of Samson and Delilah, hair has been associated
with virility. The desire to prevent, slow down or cover
up hair loss has driven the discovery of ingenious solutions
for hair loss ranging from hair-restoring potions and tonics
to hair pieces, cosmetics, surgical procedures, and even
yoga practices specially “designed” to promote hair health.
Today a wide range of treatments for male pattern hair
loss is available. Improved understanding of hair
loss biology has enabled scientists to develop pharmaceutical
treatments for hair loss such as finasteride
( Propecia ) and minoxidil
( Rogaine ). New techniques inhair
transplant technology have produced more natural-looking
results, and advances in non-surgical
hair replacementmake these alternatives more appealing.
Many natural therapies also claim to stop hair loss and
promote hair regrowth, but most have not been subjected
to conclusive FDA testing.
Further Resources
Male
Pattern Baldness - Part I - AskMen.com
Male
Pattern Baldness - Part II - AskMen.com
Male
Pattern Baldness - NIH MedLine Plus
Books on Hair Loss in Men
The Bald Truth: The First Complete Guide to Preventing
and Treating Hair Loss, by Spencer David Kobren, Pocket
Books, 2000.
Androgenetic Alopecia: Modern Concepts of Pathogenesis
and Treatment, by Masumi Inaba, Y. Inaba, Springer-Verlag,
2000.
Hair Loss: Principles of Diagnosis and Management, by Jerry
Shapiro, Taylor & Francis, Inc., 2002.
Great Ways to Cope with Hair Loss, by John F. Melk, 1stBooks
Library, 2002.
Modern Day Hairy Tales: True Stories from the Land of
Hair Loss, by Claire Bush, Clarity Publishing, 2000.
