Handling Male Pattern Hair Loss

What is Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Male Pattern Hair Loss, known simply as MPHL or male pattern balding, is a medical condition that refers to balding in men. Balding is one thing that cannot be avoided by some men. To some, it doesn’t happen. But to some, it does. And the effects of this, though not fatal or anything medically serious, actually exceeds just the need to look good. Although some people may look at baldness with a nonchalant wave of their hands, some people take it seriously. It is only when you yourself suffer from the condition that you begin to take MPHL seriously. And MPHL can attack in several ways. The very reason why it’s called Male Pattern Hair Loss (loss of hair) is that the balding happens in certain patterns. The first pattern is what most of us call the receding hairline. This is probably the most common pattern. How many men do you know or have seen whose hairlines are slowly becoming unseen from up front? You probably couldn’t count anymore. They’re everywhere. They may be men you know, men you see on TV, or men you meet on the streets. They may be your father, your grandfather, your uncle. The worst part is that it could even be you. Signs of receding hairlines can usually already be seen early on. The second pattern is baldness at the crown of the head. These are men who look like they have a bald spot right at the center of their heads. But regardless of what form it comes in, MPHL is a scarily common condition that needs every man’s attention.

What causes Male Pattern Hair Loss?

The phenomenon of balding occurs when the hair that grows old and falls out do not get replaced, thus causing baldness. Balding is not instantaneous. It is a long process that begins with practically unnoticeable thinning of the hair, and escalates into complete baldness. But although the balding process takes time, most men don’t realize it’s a problem until it’s too late. If you are experiencing hair thinning and are showing signs of baldness, you should consider whether you may have MPHL. Knowing the causes of the condition will help you evaluate the risk you’re facing. The top cause of MPHL is genes. A lot of MPHL cases are genetic. Scientifically, the hormones of some people’s genes somehow affect the hair follicles negatively, thus blocking its hair growth potential. In genetic cases, the testosterone, which is a male hormone, becomes DHT or dihydrotestosterone, which just so happens to be the hair follicle’s number one enemy. When a person is genetically programmed to convert testosterone to DHT, the hair follicles take the beating and hair growth slows down or stops completely.

When to seek treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Not all balding are MPHL. Balding can be caused by several factors, and can also come in many different forms. Most men experience it as they go over 45, which is actually very common that the cases are not really considered MPHL or a medical problem anymore. Most people over age 45 don’t even seek treatment for baldness anymore. It is a fact of life for men who are not getting any younger every day. But if you are pretty young to be going bald, say around 20 or any age under 45, you should seek treatment for MPHL. Another reason why you should see a doctor about balding is when you start losing hair all of a sudden. For example, you may just be brushing your hair and suddenly, a big clump of your hair falls off. Don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor about it as soon as you can. Balding is not a normal occurrence, especially if it comes early in your life and so suddenly, but given the right amount of attention, the condition is treatable.

What can treat Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Different people look at MPHL differently. Not every man who suffers from the condition considers it a very unfortunate thing. Some ignore it and just let things be. But if you are still young, at the prime of your life, and you are starting to go bald, that can be a very big problem. It can affect the way you live your life, the way you look at yourself, and the way that others look at you. Most MPHL cases in younger men are also often associated to psychological illnesses. Thus, treating MPHL is necessary. It can be treated with medication and through surgery. Medications come in two forms, ointments or oral medications. Surgery refers to hair transplant, scalp reduction, and flap surgery. If you are suffering from MPHL, try the medications first. If they don’t work, then it is your choice whether to seek surgery or not.