Hair Loss Advance

In men, androgenic alopecia is commonly called male pattern baldness or MPB. The hair generally starts to recede at the hairline and gradually disappears from the crown. In women this is referred to as female pattern baldness. For women the pattern is less about receding hairlines, but more likely to be a general thinning of all hair.

Alopecia is the term for hair loss although there are other types beyond the androgenic alopecia; including alopecia areata which is patchy hair loss generally in children and young adults which often reverses itself over time. Alopecia universalis is a condition where all body hair falls out.

Male Pattern Baldness accounts for roughly 95% of the hair loss in men. By age 50 more than 85% of men will have significant thinning of their hair.

The Emotional Impact of MPB

According to Money Magazine , Americans have driven the hair loss business to a more than $1 billion a year industry. More than 35 million men are suffering from some form of hair loss.

The emotional ramifications of hair loss can have a devastating effect on self esteem, personal identity and interpersonal relationships. Some men take an aggressive stance and shave their head for image or career enhancement. Many celebrities and actors have used the baldness of a shaved head to stand out from the pack. For those suffering from a medical condition which has prompted the hair loss it can feel like salt in the wound, creating depression and impeding the healing process. Organizations like Locks of Love have helped children deal with the emotional impact of hair loss.

The Role of DHT

Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a metabolized form of testosterone which blocks which is believed to be responsible for most male pattern baldness. The DHT binds with the androgen receptors on the follicle of the hair; it blocks or interrupts the hair growth cycle and prevents essential nutrients from reaching the follicle. Over time hair gets thinner, finer and eventually the regrowth stops. A DHT blocker can help prevent the binding of DHT to the hair follicle, and slow or prevent hair loss.

FDA Approved Treatments

There are two products approved by the FDA to treat male pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss; Propecia (Finasteride) and Rogaine (Minoxidil).

Propecia

Propecia is thought to grow hair in about 50% of the men after a year and 66% of the men after 2 years. It is also believed to be helpful in stopping new hair loss in about 85% of men. Propecia is not as successful in working at the temples of receding hairlines.

There are side effects for Propecia. Propecia can not be used by women or children. Women who are or potentially could be pregnant can not touch or handle Propecia as it could cause abnormalities in the development of male baby’s sex organs.

Side effects from the use of Propecia include allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives and swelling of lips or face), problems with ejaculation, breast tenderness and enlargement and testicular pain. Sexual dysfunction, reduction of sexual desire or a reduction in the amount of semen were experienced in 2% of the men using Propecia.

Minoxidil

Rogaine is billed as the only topical brand to regrow hair in both men and women. It claims to regrow hair in 85% of men after only 4 months.

Minoxidil also has side effects including excessive hair growth and mild weight gain.