Straight answers about male pattern hair loss.
• How common is hair loss in men?
• Is it true that hair loss is inherited from the maternal side of the family?
• What exactly is male pattern hair loss?
• What are the different types of hair loss?
• Is there anything a person can do about male pattern hair loss?
• What should I expect as my hair loss progresses?
• Can hair loss be treated?
• What can I expect from my doctor and what questions should I be asking?
Hair loss in men is quite common—some form of balding occurs in nearly 2 of every 3 men. However, with correct diagnosis and treatment programs, many men with hair loss can be helped.
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Male pattern hair loss can be inherited from either side of the family. Your mother or father could have passed along a gene that makes your hair follicles more susceptible to the male hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a key factor in hair loss.
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Most men normally lose 50 to 100 hairs per day in the normal hair cycle. This level of shedding is not cause for alarm.
Male pattern hair loss, on the other hand, is a more rapid loss. It is the most common form of significant hair loss, representing about 95% of all cases of baldness in men. And about half of all men experience male pattern hair loss by age 50. So if you have male pattern hair loss, you are certainly not alone.
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Hair loss is divided into three categories: Progressive Hair Loss, Sudden Hair Loss, and Patchy Hair Loss.
Progressive Hair Loss is called Androgenetic Alopecia and represents the majority of cases called Male Pattern Hair Loss. It begins with a receding hairline and/or slow balding at the crown. The condition can start as early as one's teen years. It is typically progressive and if left untreated, the hair loss usually continues for some time. Scientists believe that male pattern hair loss is inherited from either the mother's or father's side of your family, and that a chemical called dihydrotestosterone, more commonly referred to as DHT, is a key factor in hair loss. DHT is a substance in the body that can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Both DHT and family history are key factors in hair loss.
Sudden or Patchy Hair Loss can be caused by a variety of things. Illness, Major Surgery, and Disease can cause hair loss. Within 1 to 3 months after a high fever, severe infection, major illness, or surgery, a person may experience increased hair loss. This increased shedding is usually of limited duration. However, men with chronic illness may continue to experience increased hair loss. Additionally, an overactive or underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. Your doctor can perform tests to diagnose thyroid disease. Excessive hair loss associated with this condition can often be helped with proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Learning more about male pattern hair loss, its causes, and treatment options are good first steps. Talking to your doctor should promptly follow. They know what could be appropriate for you and can share their knowledge of other patient experiences with you.
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A measurement tool called the Norwood-Hamilton Scale is often used by physicians and shows the progressive stages of male pattern hair loss. Without treatment, male pattern hair loss is a condition that usually gets worse. Most men would prefer to keep as much hair as possible. But unfortunately, desire alone does not keep hair from falling out. Your male pattern hair loss will most likely continue, and the bald spot on top of your head will most likely continue to expand.
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A lot is known about what causes male pattern hair loss and as a result many treatments have been developed to help fight it. The best person to talk to about male pattern hair loss is your doctor. Since many men suffer from male pattern hair loss, doctors can help these patients. In fact, millions of men have approached their doctors for help. Your doctor can help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to hair loss treatments.
They know from their experience with their patients what has worked, what treatments are available, and what might work for you. They are the best equipped to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
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Be open and honest with your doctor about your male pattern hair loss. Express your expectation and the desire you have to maintain or possibly re-grow your hair. You will also make the most of your doctor visit by being prepared with any questions you might have about male pattern hair loss and treatment options.
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Make an appointment to see your doctor today.
Information about a money-saving offer on a hair loss treatment for men
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