Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss, or Androgenetic alopecia as it is scientifically known, is the most common form of hair loss amongst men representing almost 95% of all cases. This condition, which usually starts between the ages of 20 and 45 with the development of a receding hairline, effects up to 1 out of every 2 men at some point throughout their lives.

The entire process of balding can take anywhere up to 25 years and is characterised by the typical ‘M’ shape to which the hairline eventually recedes, however in some patients this process can happen over a much shorter period of time with complete baldness within 5 years.

What causes male pattern hair loss?

It is widely believed throughout the scientific community that male pattern hair loss is caused by the two main factors of genetics and the body's production of, as well as sensitivity to, the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is produced from the breakdown of testosterone by an enzyme in the body. This sex hormone, which is found on the scalp, gets into the hair follicles and shrinks them preventing visible hair from growing. As well as this, DHT also thickens the scalp reducing blood flow to the capillaries which also works to inhibit future hair growth.

Who does male pattern hair loss affect?

Male pattern baldness affects virtually all men by the time they have reached their 60’s, although the age at which this hair loss starts is considerably variable. Around half of all 50 year old men and three in ten 30 year old men suffer from this condition to some degree.

How common is male pattern hair loss?

Around 66% of all men will be affected by hair loss at some point throughout their lives, this equates to approximately 7.4 million men loosing simultaneously loosing their hair at any given time. Male pattern hair loss affects different sections of the population at different rates, thought mainly to be due to the genetic nature of this condition. As many as half of all Caucasian males will experience hair loss at some point throughout there lives, whilst in contrast groups such as Japanese and Chinese men have amongst the lowest rates for developing this ailment.

What treatment options are there for male pattern hair loss?

There are currently two medications available for the treatment of male pattern hair loss: these are Propecia (finasteride) and Regaine (minoxidil).

Propecia (finasteride)

Propecia, which works by blocking the process which converts testosterone to DHT on the scalp, was first launched in the UK in 2002. By stopping the creation of DHT, which would usually get inside the hair follicles and work to shrink them, the hair follicles are able to enlarge back to their normal size.

This once daily oral treatment is effective within 2 out of 3 men at causing hair re-growth, whilst being able to prevent further hair loss in the remaining 1 out of 3 men. Although this treatment does not work for everyone the success rate is around 99% at either preventing further hair loss or stimulating new hair growth.