What Is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss which is caused by the hormone Dihydrotestosterone. This kind of hair loss is also triggered by genes and age causing eventual loss of hair follicles. Hair is lost in a specific pattern starting above both temples & gradually the hairline forms an 'M' shape. This kind of hair loss can lead to a total or partial baldness after a considerable period of time. Male pattern hair loss is also be termed 'Androgenetic Alopecia' or 'Alopecia Androgenetica'.
It is a known fact that natural hair loss takes place in men after a particular age limit. But, if a person starts losing his scalp hair even at the age of 25-35, it is almost certain that the person is experiencing Male pattern baldness. This kind of hair loss is quite progressive in nature having a specific pattern of baldness where a male loses his hair at the front, central & crown position of the head. Several genetic & environmental factors are responsible for this kind of hair loss condition. But, researches have identified the hormone factor mainly related to this type of male baldness.
Hamilton & Norwood have categorized several pattern of this hair loss condition. Hamilton first identified that androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) can cause this hair loss condition. An individual having normal amount of androgens present, may be a victim of this hair loss process.
Dihydrotestosterone, which is also known as DHT, has a harmful effect on hair follicles. DHT is created from Testosterone, a type of hormone which exists in higher volume in male after his puberty. An enzyme named 5-alpha reductase converts Testosterone in to DHT. Cells contain receptors which bind androgens (dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone).After this binding process, DHT moves in to the hair cell & interacts with the nucleus of the cell. Then, it alters the production of protein by the DNA in the cell nucleus. Ultimately it reduces the amount of hair production & also produces some weak, short hair. Hair growth cycle is severely damaged by this hair loss condition. DHT can even lead to the condition of complete baldness decreasing the stock of hair gradually. Color of the fine hair is also converted in to lighter shed, as pigment production is also terminated.
Gene factor plays a pivotal role in this hair loss process. Male pattern baldness is an inherited condition, & this gene may be inherited from maternal or paternal side. When a person has gene of hair loss & existence of androgens at normal level, this kind of hair loss condition may take place. Amount of hair loss is totally unpredictable in this hair loss condition. It is a relent process of hair loss that increases with age.
Age factor is another important in Male pattern baldness. It is observed, 20% of males experience this hair loss condition at 20’s, 30% of men experience this at 30’s.So, it is quite obvious that men in 60’s have a chance of 60% to be victim of this hair loss condition.
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