Male pattern baldness: causes and treatment options for male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness - Facts & Advice

30% of all men suffer from male pattern baldness by the age of 30. More than that suffer from hair loss sooner or later in life. It is not possible to prevent or stop hair loss in men, however, you can slow down the process and have your hair grow back if you treat it in good time. Below we will discuss various points about male pattern hair loss and what you can do to slow down your hair loss!

Signs of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)

• A decrease in hair growth on the scalp: Especially in the front part of the scalp.
• Increased thinning of the hair: It can also lead to the hair becoming thinner and more transparent.
• Abnormal hairline

Most common cause of male pattern baldness

There are many reasons why men lose hair. The most common cause of male pattern baldness is heredity. When it comes to hereditary hair loss, the hair usually disappears at the temples first and you end up with a receding hairline. At the top of the head, you can get a bald spot completely devoid of hair, which gets bigger as time goes on. The symptoms begin at a relatively early age, which is why it is important to start treatment early.

Hereditary hair loss - DHT, dihydrotestosterone

DHT, i.e. dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone that affects the hair follicles in the scalp. In male pattern baldness, the hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, which causes the hairs to become thinner and shorter. Eventually, the hair follicles stop producing hair altogether, which results in a receded hairline and thinner hair on the scalp. There is a medication that blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which in turn leads to reduced levels of DHT and thus slows hair loss. There are two different treatments against hair loss and it is the combination of these that gives the best results: a tablet that reduces DHT, which slows down hair loss, and a liquid solution that you apply to the skin surface where you want hair regrowth. See the following questions and answers below.

How do the medications against male pattern hair loss work?

There are two different treatments against hair loss and it is the combination of these that gives the best results: a tablet that reduces DHT, which slows down hair loss, and a liquid solution that you apply to the skin surface where you want hair regrowth. See the following questions and answers below.

You take one tablet daily for at least 3-6 months to prevent hair loss. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that reduces the production of the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The medicine is prescribed and can also be used to prevent future hair loss.

The medicine is used to treat hair loss or thinning hair. The exact mechanism of action is not known but the idea is that you stimulate the regrowth of hair by massaging the solution into the area you want hair regrowth. The result will not be improved by using the solution more than the recommended dose. It is also necessary to continue the use of the drug to increase and maintain the regrowth of hair.

The hair must be completely dry before you apply the solution and the same applies to the scalp. You must do this 12 hours apart, i.e. morning and evening. You should apply approximately 1 ml directly to the scalp and distribute over the surface to be treated. You should not use more than 2 ml per day.

Can I get a prescription for these drugs?

Yes, you can get a prescription for hair loss treatment medicines through our health form at Recetas Medicas. You can buy the liquid solution without a prescription at the pharmacy.

How effective is this treatment for male pattern hair loss?

Studies have shown that the treatment is effective in improving hair quality and delaying hair loss in men. The effect can differ from person to person and it usually takes several months before you notice any improvements. It takes patience and regular use to achieve the best results.

What happens if I stop treatment?

Discontinuing the treatment leads to the positive effect starting to diminish within 6 months and returning to how it was from the beginning after about 9 to 12 months.

How long will it take until I start seeing results?

To see signs of stabilization of the hair loss, daily treatment is generally required for approximately 3-6 months. In order to maintain the effect, continued treatment is then recommended.

Are there any side effects?

Less common side effects can include erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that around 2-4% experience difficulty getting an erection. These problems are usually temporary after you stop treatment, but if they affect you during treatment you should contact your doctor.

Other causes of hair loss in men

Stress

Stress is a significant and often overlooked factor in male pattern baldness. When we experience physical or mental stress, our body responds by releasing hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These substances can lead to an imbalance in the body, which in turn can affect scalp health and hair growth cycles. In some cases, this can lead to temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium. It is important to understand that although stress-related hair loss can be scary, it is often reversible. As the stress level decreases and the body regains its balance, the hair should begin to grow back. However, this requires time and patience, as well as an active effort to reduce the amount of stress instead. If you suffer from hair loss and at the same time are exposed to high stress, it may be worth reviewing your stress management and talking to your healthcare centre.

Nutritional deficiency

Hair loss can occur when the body does not receive enough nutrients needed to support healthy hair growth. Some key nutrients that are important for hair health include:

Protein Hair consists of a protein called keratin, important to get enough protein in your diet to support hair growth.

Iron Iron is essential for hemoglobin production in the red blood cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and potentially contribute to hair loss. Make sure to get enough iron for healthy hair growth and overall health.

Vitamin D Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, which is important for hair growth. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to hair loss.

Cancer treatment

Various cancer treatments can lead to temporary hair loss, this applies to both men and women.

The disease alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss. The spots become completely bald and are usually found on the head or in the beard. For many, the hair grows back after a couple of years, but for some, it doesn't come back at all. If you have suffered from Alopecia areata with patchy hair loss, we recommend that you contact your healthcare center for further assistance.

When should I seek treatment if I lose more hair than usual?

• You have bald spots or have lost all your hair.
• You think your hair loss may be related to some medication you are taking.
• You notice that you are losing a lot of hair while feeling sick.
• You notice hair falling out from a spot on your scalp that feels itchy, sore and red.
• You have experienced hair loss and the hair has not grown back within a period of six months.

If you think you have hereditary male pattern baldness, you can complete our health form at Recetas Medicas and we will help you get treatment and a prescription without physical visits or video calls.

Common questions and answers about male pattern baldness

Can men stop male pattern baldness?

Yes, there are actually ways that can help slow hair loss, although it also depends a lot on the individual's genetic predisposition and the type of hair loss involved. DHT-blocking drugs and topical treatments can be quite effective. But in some cases these may not be enough. Then hair follicle transplantation can be a solution.

What helps with male pattern baldness?

Over-the-counter topical solutions can help with hair regrowth. Prescription drugs such as DHT blockers help slow hair loss. Methods such as low-energy laser therapy, PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) as well as a nutritious and balanced diet and lifestyle changes can also help reduce hair loss.

How hereditary is male pattern baldness?

Hair loss is strongly genetic. It is believed that it involves several genes that can come from both the mother's and the father's side. So if several in your family suffer from hair loss, the chances are higher that you will too.

Can hereditary hair loss be cured?

When it comes to hereditary hair loss, unfortunately, there is still no definitive cure. But as said, it is possible to slow down the process and in some cases regain part of the hair with the help of the right treatment.

Can men regrow their hair?

Yes, but it depends on several factors. If hair loss is at an early stage, medical treatment can stimulate hair regrowth and reduce hair loss. Hair follicle transplantation is also an option to improve hair density and regenerate the hairline.

What causes a lot of hair loss?

It can be caused by a number of factors including stress, underlying medical conditions, poor diet, medications and genetics.

What can men do to stop hair loss?

If you suspect that you suffer from male pattern baldness, you can fill in a health form for treatment by a specialist doctor via Recetas Medicas. After that, a combination of medications (as mentioned above), dietary changes, physical activity, stopping smoking and avoiding stress can help slow hair loss.

What is the best for hair loss?

There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution here. What works best varies from individual to individual, depending on their specific situation and the reason for the hair loss.

Can Men Get Their Hairline Back?

Yes, through a hair transplant it is technically possible to recreate the hairline. But it depends on the individual's specific situation and the degree of hair loss.