Male Pattern Baldness, Hair Loss & Treatments
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Most men will have lost some hair, and will, most likely display an amount of graying, by the time they reach the age of 55. There are various types of hair loss and balding but the type that develops in a particular pattern is known as male pattern baldness.
Androgenetic alopecia is the correct medical terminology for the kind of hair loss which is more commonly known as Male pattern baldness (MPB) (alopecia is the more general medical name for hair loss). It would appear that the cause of MPB is dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that has an effect upon the scalp’s hair follicles.
Surprising to many is the fact that MPB can make an appearance at any time between the ages of around twenty to as late as fifty. The early signs are receding of the hair line, which is not uncommon in younger men. How fast or aggressive the hair loss is depends on many factors but the most important are the genetic factors.
The need to look good has always been important but today’s society seems to be focused on the need to look young and healthy at all times. One of the most obvious signs of aging, besides wrinkles, is male pattern baldness. It should, therefore, come as little surprise that the industry involved hair loss is massive. Luckily the drug companies are always looking for a miracle cure for baldness and, happily, there are a few things that we can do to combat MPB.
There are only really three options when it comes to treating male pattern baldness. As, strictly speaking, it is not a medical condition, there are not that many therapies available. However there are two medical treatments that halt the progression of MPB. Other options include cosmetic surgery and, of course, the use of a wig.
Minoxidil is an incredible topical application that really does help reduce the ongoing effects of androgenetic alopecia. Most people interested in MPB will be more familiar with the product that use this amazing ingredient, Rogaine. Annoyingly it does not really make the hair grow back and you need to keep on using it continually for it to stop hair loss.
Finasteride is another wonder drug for the treatment of MPB. Widely available in products such as Propecia and Proscar, Finasteride is an oral medication that stimulates the hair follicles on the head by halting the production of dihydrotestosterone. Like Minoxidil, Finasteride needs to be taken regularly as stoping the medication results in the body, once agaiin, producing the hormone resulting in hair loss.
Cosmetic surgery for male pattern baldness is incredible but, if it goes wrong, it can be a complete nightmare. Please, if you are planning such cosmetic surgery, do not take short cuts. Make use you use the best cosmetic surgeon available in your area. After all, we are talking about one of the most visible parts of your body.
The oldest solution to male pattern baldness is the wig. The butt of many jokes the wig can be the solution you have been looking for. Of course, if you choose unwisely you could end up looking somewhat ridiculous but today it is possible to buy wigs that are of the highest quality. The best wigs are expensive but they are well worth the investment. Using real hair it is possible to find all different hair styles and colors so finding one that it perfect for you should not be a problem.
