Androgenetic Alopecia: An Encompassing Guide on Male Pattern Baldness

According to research, over two-thirds of men in the US over the age of 35 currently suffer from male pattern baldness. Additionally, once these men reach the age of 50, over 85% of them will experience some type of hair loss.

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the experience of hair loss in men with no known cure. The reason why it is hard to cure is that you need to know the root cause (no pun intended) to treat it properly.

Unfortunately, hair loss in men affects more than just their looks, it can also negatively impact their self-esteem and lead to many insecurities.

So the problem is, how do you treat male pattern baldness? Also, what can you do to reduce the risks of losing your hair in the first place?

Thankfully, you no longer have to hide behind a hat, as some treatment options work, including an incredible medication called Propecia. Keep on reading to learn more about treating male pattern baldness, so you can get your precious locks back.

What is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia is a common genetic condition that causes hair loss as early as the age of 20. Contrary to popular belief, even though it is called “male pattern baldness”, androgenetic alopecia can affect both men and women. However, the signs and symptoms show up much differently.

This condition is partially genetic and partially hormonal, as it is caused by an imbalance in the male hormone, testosterone, which affects the overall levels of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). DHT is an androgenic (male) hormone that gives the male characteristics such as body hair, and the hair on top of your head.

Unfortunately, the DHT can bind with the follicles on top of the head, which causes the hair to become weaker, shrink, and fall out. This also halts the growth of new hair, which is known as miniaturization. This is why it is common to see big burly bearded men with balded heads.

The Four Stages of Hair Growth

To understand the process of hair loss better, you must understand the four stages of hair growth.

The first stage is known as the anagen stage, which is the growing phase. This takes between 3 and 5 years, which varies from person to person.

The second stage is known as the catagen stage, the transition phase. This only lasts for about 2 weeks, while the catagen stage slows down.

The third stage is known as the telogen stage, which is the resting phase. This usually lasts about 3 months and occurs when the follicles are released, yet still attached.

The fourth and final stage is the Exogen stage, the shedding phase. This lasts around 2 to 5 months and occurs when about 200 hairs fall out per day. This is in combination with new growth, so do not worry too much about hair loss during this stage.

What Are the Symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness?

The earlier you can detect the hair loss, the more chances you have of treating it. There are a few ways that professionals use to detect hair loss, which we will explain below.

The most common type of hair loss is noticing the gradual thinning of the hair on top of your head. This is best detected by taking photos every week in the same spot, with the same lighting. The lighting is important as bright lights can alter the look of your scalp.

The other most common symptom is a receding hairline around the forehead, usually in the shape of the letter “M”. For women, it looks a bit different with a widened part, with no changes to the hairline.

The last (and worse) stage involves your hair coming out in larger patches. This is because emotional or physical trauma leads the telomeres to go into a “sleep” mode, to regain the nutrition for the more vital organs in your body. During this stage, you may notice clumps of hair in your comb or brush, or more hair falling out in the shower.

There are other signs and symptoms of hair loss, which include all-over sudden balding. This is very uncommon and is usually a symptom of chemotherapy or autoimmune disease.

Other Causes of Male-Pattern Hair Loss

Aside from the buildup of DHT, there are other causes of male-pattern hair loss which need to be spoken about. Without writing it off as typical androgenetic alopecia, it could actually be a reaction to something in your lifestyle, such as medications or allergic reactions.

Some of these conditions could be an infection located at the hair follicle, high blood pressure, gout, ringworm, menopause, thyroid problems, childbirth, or autoimmune diseases.

What Is the Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Thankfully, there are a few effective treatment options for androgenetic alopecia, including a medication called Propecia. Propecia, also known as Finasteride, belongs to a classification of drugs called 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors, which inhibits a specific enzyme that converts into DHT. This slows down the speed of hair loss and increases hair regrowth.

Due to its chemical structure, this drug should only be taken by adult males, not females. This medication is also only used specifically for hair loss, not for treating hair loss as a result of prostate cancer or related conditions.

Propecia is taken orally, once per day, with or without a meal. This medication takes up to or around three months for noticeable changes. To measure your progress, take pictures in the same spot, with the same lighting every week from the start of the medication.

There is one other treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia, called Rogaine (minoxidil). The only problem with Rogaine is that it will only work while you are using it. This means that the effects will wear off once you stop applying it to your hair.

You can find Propecia at any Canadian Pharmacy online. We suggest doing your research and find a list of reputable Canadian online pharmacies to purchase from. Once you have found the best choice, you can continue to order all of your medication from the same source.

Learn More About Male Pattern Baldness

Now that you know more about male pattern baldness, its causes, and symptoms. It is now time to consider the right treatment. At Maple Leaf Meds, our mission is to provide you with affordable medication with superior speed and customer service.

Feel free to contact us to learn more, or order your Propecia today!