Male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness also termed androgenic alopecia is a condition wherein hair thinning occurs in adult men in a pattern. Almost half the world male population experiences this condition by the age of 40. 

Each hair strand has a growth cycle and with male pattern baldness, this cycle gets weaker, leading to shrinkage of hair follicles. It produces shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, the growth cycle ends and no new hair growth takes place.

Causes of male pattern baldness

One of the main causes of male pattern baldness is the secretion of the DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) hormone. When the level of the DHT hormone increases, it causes hair loss.

Another reason could be genetics or having a family history of baldness. Generally, inherited male pattern baldness has no side effects but sometimes it can cause serious issues such as cancer and thyroid. Visit your doctor if hair loss occurs along with other health ailments. Doctors will examine your medical history and give you the right treatment that you need. Sometimes, a skin biopsy or blood tests can also be carried out to diagnose disorders responsible for your hair loss.

Some other causes of male pattern baldness include:

• Chemotherapy treatments
• Scalp infections
• Change in diet
• Medications (high doses of steroids or Vitamin A)
• High stress and anxiety
• Frequent use of artificial colours and styling tools on hair.

Treatment for male pattern baldness

1. Biotin: Biotin is a vitamin that can be found in foods like nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, onions, oats, etc. You can also take biotin tablets for hair growth. These supplements slow down hair loss. Biotin is also thought to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function.
   
   
2. Minoxidil solution: This solution helps in quicker hair regrowth by strengthening the hair follicles. It also increases the size of hair follicles, thus promoting thicker hair growth.
   
   
3. Laser treatments: The inflammation in hair follicles prevents hair growth. Laser treatment can reduce the inflammation in hair follicles and so it can be an effective treatment for male pattern baldness.
   
   
4. Finasteride: Finasteride is a pill that can be prescribed by a doctor after examining your hair loss history and pattern. It works by blocking the production of the male hormone responsible for hair loss.
   
   
5. Hair transplants: Two of the most popular hair transplant procedures are follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction.
   

Some lifestyle changes that can prevent hair loss

• Quit smoking: Smoking can be a cause of hair loss, premature greying and even facial wrinkles.
  
  
• Balanced diet: A balanced diet provides the essential nutrients to our body so that we can work effectively without getting tired anytime soon. Without proper nutrition, we are more likely to experience hair loss problems. Also, drink plenty of water to keep your scalp hydrated. Add sufficient nutrient-rich foods in your diet plan such as:

1. Foods rich in iron like lean beef, beans, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified grains, and eggs
2. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, flax seeds, egg yolks, hemp seeds, and walnuts
3. High-protein foods like eggs, lean meats, and seafood
   
   

• Go for a check-up: If you want to know the exact cause of your hair loss, visit a doctor. Some medical conditions can induce hair loss in men like diabetes, lupus, thyroid conditions, scalp psoriasis, sarcoidosis, lichen planus, anaemia, eating disorders, syphilis, etc.
  
  
• Stress management: Stress and anxiety can be a factor that can induce hair loss. Reducing stress is easier said than done but you can try out some simple techniques to manage stress. 

1. Exercise regularly
2. Meditate
3. Practice yoga
4. Listen to music or go for a short walk
5. Get enough sleep
6. Reduce caffeine intake
7. Reduce your screen time

Home remedies for male pattern baldness

1. Henna leaves: Henna is a traditional remedy to deal with hair loss. It also helps in reducing hair fall. It strengthens the hair from within and acts as a conditioner. Male pattern baldness can be treated with regular use of Henna.
   
   
2. Onion and garlic: Onion and garlic juice has properties that can treat male pattern baldness because together they can facilitate regrowth of hair.
   
   
3. Essential oils: When used with carrier oils, many essential oils can have fruitful results in treating male pattern baldness. Check out our blog on which is the best oil for hair regrowth.
   
   
4. Eggs: Eggs can be very helpful due to their rich protein. Massage your scalp with eggs and leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off using a mild shampoo. The Vitamin content in egg yolks is a great treatment for male pattern baldness.
   
   
5. Onion juice: Known to be one of the effective home remedies for treating male pattern baldness, onion when mixed with honey can do wonders for hair.
6. Acupuncture: It is one of the Chinese techniques to cure male pattern baldness. It involves activating the trigger points that will stimulate hair growth. This treatment is usually done along with a herbal remedy and vitamin supplement. Consult a trained professional before starting acupuncture for hair loss.
   
   
7. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its enzymes that repair hair. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair.
   

Take away

Male pattern baldness can drain you mentally because you have to accept some changes that are not visibly appealing. But everyone goes through some or the other issues in their life and the rule of life is to keep moving with a high held spirit. Seek counselling if your male pattern baldness is driving you crazy, you are experiencing emotional turmoil, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.