Male pattern hair loss (hereditary-patterned baldness)

Description Hereditary-patterne...

Description

Hereditary-patterned baldness is the most common form of baldness. Although it can begin at a young age, it is much more common in older men and women. In men with this type of baldness, the hair growth cycle changes in response to a type of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time hair follicles get thinner and shorter. Eventually, areas of the scalp stop growing hair altogether. Women that produce excess male hormones are more likely to experience this at a younger age. Men tend to experience hair loss mostly at the temples and top of the scalp. Women tend to lose hair in a more widespread fashion.

Symptoms

Symptoms include thinning hair and hair loss at the temples and top of scalp in men. In the most extreme cases, this can progress to the point where there is only a ring of hair along the side and back of the scalp. In women, the hair loss is more generalized and is often more obvious at the top of the head and down the middle.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis can usually be made based on exam findings and historical information.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Family Practice, Telemedicine Dermatology

Treatment

Topical minoxidil is available for both men and women to help decrease hair loss and sometimes regrow hair. Finasteride (Propecia) is an oral drug that can be used in men. For those that prefer covering, wigs, toupees or hair weaves can be used to cover areas of exposed scalp. Surgeries such as scalp reduction and hair transplants can be performed to decrease the appearance of baldness.