Male Baldness: Q&A

Baldness is a common condition that affects many men, particularly male pattern baldness which is a biological condition that can affect even young men. Baldness can also happen as the result of medications or medical procedures. It is the naturally occurring baldness that is the subject of this article.

 

What are the symptoms of male baldness?

Some symptoms of male baldness are very obvious, such as noticeable hair loss when you comb or brush your hair. You may even experience hair loss while washing your hair or taking a shower. Your hair is not likely to come out in clumps but will break off more often. Male baldness often begins at or near the hairline. You may notice your hairline receding or moving back from your forehead. Most men will notice their hair thinning or becoming finer in texture.

 

What are the diagnostic tests for male baldness?

Doctors can typically look at your scalp to determine if you have male baldness. They assess the overall appearance and condition of the scalp to rule out medical causes. The pattern of the hair loss is also considered during the diagnostic phase. If you seem to be losing hair in patches, you believe you are losing excessive hair, or pain accompanies your hair loss, your doctor may perform a skin biopsy to make a diagnosis. Hair analysis is not used to diagnose any type of baldness.

Is baldness an inherited condition?

Male baldness is a predominantly inherited condition. Although many in the medical community have assumed for years that it is inherited from the mother, this is not actually the case. Recent research suggests that baldness is probably a dominant trait and that more than one gene is involved in producing it. Further, it appears that this trait can be passed on by either the mother or the father. The debate, and the research, continues on this particular issue.

Is baldness a cause for concern?

If you have male pattern baldness then you do not have a medical condition. There is no need for concern from a health perspective. But baldness affects your appearance which is important to many men. The more self-conscious you become about your hair loss, you may become anxious or depressed which can be serious.

Propecia and the cure for male baldness

There is no cure for male baldness. However, there are successful treatments such as propecia available that can reduce or stop hair loss and even cause hair to grow again in some men. Propecia pills are the only FDA-approved hair loss medication tablets so far. It has been rigorously tested through multiple clinical trials and has been proven to be safe and effective for men.