Male pattern baldness refers to a lack of hair, either partially or completely, which is the result of hair loss and hair thinning in men. Generally, the intensity and pattern of baldness will vary depending on the cause. Some types of male pattern baldness cause a complete, or nearly complete, loss of hair over the entire body—including the head, arms, legs, and so on. The more common types of baldness cause hair thinning and hair loss on the scalp or head—though, like any other type of baldness; the degree of hair loss may vary from individual case to individual case.
Total hair loss on the head generally occurs more in males than it does females; however, females may also experience baldness, more commonly in the form of female pattern baldness which tends to cause hair loss on the top of the head, but not on the sides or back of the head. Male pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in men and, like female pattern hair loss, tends to cause hair loss on the top of the scalp. Both types of “pattern” hair loss tend to begin with thinning in the center of the scalp which gradually increases cause total or near-total hair loss in the entire diameter of the top of the head.
What causes male pattern baldness?
It is estimated that around 95% of baldness in men is caused by male pattern baldness, sometimes referred to as androgenic alopecia. Male pattern baldness typically begins with a thinning and receding hairline and generally continues until one of two patterns occurs: the first pattern leaves a “horse-shoe” shaped ring of hair, while the other pattern generally causes hair loss for the diameter of the top of the scalp. Both male and female pattern baldness can be caused by passing down the baldness gene; it is estimated that there is a 4 in 7 chance of a child inheriting this gene.
Other causes of baldness include traction alopecia, or hair loss caused by hairstyles or hair care which causes the weakening of the hair strands and eventual breakage–ponytails, cornrows, excessive heating and excessive brushing can all cause traction alopecia. Hair loss can also be caused by, but is not limited to: medications; chemical or medical therapies; childbirth or pregnancy; imbalanced hormones; eating disorders; stress or depression.
Are there treatments for male pattern baldness?
Only two types of drugs have been approved in the United States for the treatment of baldness: Propecia and minoxidil. However, neither of these treatments can permanently regrow hair which has been lost because of genetic baldness or hormonally-induced baldness. Some medications may slow the progression of hair loss or even help reverse hair loss on a limited basis–these medications, such as Rogaine, must typically be used continuously. If the treatments are stopped, the hair loss will reoccur.
Other treatments for baldness include treatments to reduce stress, treatments that address physical, non-genetic issues that might be causing baldness, and overall stress reduction and relief. But there is a popular product called Provillus that is available for men and women. This is a 100% natural supplement that is taken orally each day and helps to promote hair regrowth by stimulating hair follicles and providing them with the necessary nutrients to grow new hair. Of course the results using this or any other treatment will vary from person to person, but those who use them consistently often experience reasonably good results.
Provillus can be ordered online, and the company that manufacturers the product usually offer discount pricing when buying more than a months supply. They also sometimes provide a free bottle when ordering certain packages as well. The product is one of the most affordable treatments and is worth looking into if you suffer from hair thinning.
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