Male Pattern Baldness
The Facts About Male Hair Loss

Male hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common form of hair loss. Statistics show that up to 50% of men have experienced a degree of baldness by the age of 50, and 75% have done so by age 80. The medical term for male pattern baldness is androgenic alopecia, since it is thought to be associated with certain male hormones, known as androgens, which in turn cause male hair loss.

If you're one of the millions of men worldwide dealing with the potentially embarrassing problem of male hair loss, take heart, you are not alone. Since the problem affects so many men worldwide, many treatment options have emerged that may well be of help to you. You'll learn about most of them right here on our website, which is here to educate and help you.

Keep in mind also that in recent years, baldness has become in vogue. Even men who have full heads of healthy hair are shaving their heads to keep up with the trend! While it's not scientifically valid, there is a prevalent myth that male pattern baldness is in some way associated with virility, so you may choose to take advantage of that. But if making the best of the cards that nature has dealt you just isn't your plan, then there are various medications and treatments available.

While the most common cause of male hair loss is heredity, you should be aware that some medical conditions, notably certain forms of heart disease, diabetes, and prostate problems, can also be the cause, so it's wise to see your doctor for a medical evaluation, especially if you experience the sudden onset of hair loss, or a sudden acceleration in the rate at which you are losing your hair to male pattern baldness.

Most male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition. For a very long time, it was thought that the genes on your mother's side of the family, especially your maternal grandfather, were mostly to blame, although recent research has shown there is also a correlation with baldness on your father's side of the family. This form of male hair loss usually results in either a telltale "M" shape to the remaining hair, or else the classic "horseshoe" hair pattern.

Treatments for hair loss vary in effectiveness, and it's best to start early, since there seems to be a strong correlation between the amount of hair already lost and the outcome of treatment, with outcomes less satisfactory the greater the loss before treatment began. It's also wise to keep in touch with your doctor, even if you are using an over-the-counter treatment that is available without a prescription. You never know when you might have a medical condition which would disqualify you from using even certain non-prescription medications. In addition, with the speed at which medical research advances these days, your doctor might know about a promising treatment that is not yet widely known about.

Finally, keep in mind that if your problem is hereditary, treatment options for severe, hereditary male pattern baldness are more limited. But that doesn't mean all is hopeless, as new treatment options are becoming available rapidly. Before considering treatment with prescription medication, over the counter medication, or even hair transplant surgery, you will want to take a look at some hair loss prevention tips.

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