Partial male pattern baldness or Androgenetic alopecia is a common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is also known as androgenetic alopecia and can start as early as a person’s teens and risk increases with age; more than 50% of men over age 50 have some degree of hair loss. In women, hair loss is most likely after menopause. In females, partial baldbess is known as female pattern baldness.
Partial male pattern baldness has a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shaped pattern in men. Hair also thins at the top of the head, often progressing to partial baldness or complete baldness.
In women, the pattern of partial baldness is different than men. In female pattern baldness, hair becomes thinner all over the head, mainly on the crown, at the top of the head, and the hairline does not recede. Androgenetic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness.
Here are some causes for partial male pattern baldness:
A variety of genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in causing androgenetic alopecia. Researchers have determined that this form of hair loss is related to hormones called androgens, particularly DHT that is dihydrotestosterone. Androgens also have other important functions in both males and females, such as regulating hair growth and sex drive.
How does partial baldness happen?
The male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is important for the normal male sexual development. However, in some cases, the hair follicles are genetically sensitive to this hormone and exposure to it results in shrinkage of the follicles. This shortens the lifespan of the follicles and prevents them from producing hair normally. Hair follicles in the temples and crown of the scalp are more sensitive to this hormone and hence hair loss affects these areas more prominently.
Genetic cause is a strong factor for developing pattern baldness and almost 80% of balding people have a history of baldness in their family.
Treatments for partial baldness:
- Homeopathy
- Platelet Rich Plasma
- Mesotherapy
- Low level laser therapy
- Surgical hair transplant
- Diet & Exercises
- Homecare