Male Pattern Baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men.
- Affects about 50% of men by age 50
- Can start as early as late teens or early 20s
- It’s progressive — meaning it worsens over time unless treated
🔬 The Science Behind MPB
🧬 1. Genetics
- MPB is inherited from either parent (not just your mother’s side)
- If close male relatives are bald, your risk is higher
🧪 2. Hormones (DHT)
- Testosterone in your body is converted into DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase
- DHT binds to receptors in scalp hair follicles, especially at the hairline and crown
- In genetically sensitive men, DHT:
- Shrinks the follicles (a process called miniaturization)
- Shortens the hair growth phase
- Leads to thinner, shorter hairs, and eventually, no hair at all in affected areas
📉 How MPB Progresses (The Norwood Scale)
The Norwood-Hamilton scale is used to classify stages of MPB:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | No visible hair loss |
| 2 | Slight recession at the temples |
| 3 | Deeper temple recession — classic M-shape |
| 4 | Thinning at the crown, larger frontal baldness |
| 5 | Frontal and crown hair loss areas enlarge and approach each other |
| 6 | Bald areas at front and crown join together |
| 7 | Only a horseshoe-shaped band of hair remains at the sides and back |
🧠 Fun fact: The hair at the sides and back of the head is typically DHT-resistant, which is why it remains — and is used in hair transplant surgery.
🩺 Treatment Options for MPB
✅ 1. Medications
- Finasteride (Propecia): Oral DHT blocker; slows or stops MPB, can regrow hair
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Topical solution or foam; stimulates hair follicles
- Dutasteride is a powerful oral medication increasingly used to treat male pattern hair loss (MPB) — often seen as a stronger alternative to finasteride.
- These work best when started early and used consistently
✅ 2. Hair Transplant Surgery
- Permanent solution
- Moves healthy hair follicles from back of head to bald areas
- Results are natural when done by skilled surgeons
✅ 3. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
- Blood is drawn and spun to concentrate growth factors
- Injected into scalp to stimulate follicles
- Typically used with minoxidil or finasteride
✅ 4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- At-home laser caps or combs
- Stimulate blood flow and follicle metabolism
- Safe and pain-free; results vary
🧴 Supportive Treatments
- DHT-blocking shampoos (e.g., saw palmetto, ketoconazole)
- Biotin, vitamin D, zinc, iron — help if you’re deficient
- Microneedling (using a derma roller) — increases absorption of topical treatments and boosts blood flow
🔁 Can MPB Be Reversed?
- If you catch it early (Stages 1–3), you may regrow some hair
- If hair follicles are fully miniaturized and dead (Stages 6–7), only a hair transplant can restore coverage
- Maintenance is key — stopping treatment usually leads to hair loss resuming
💡 Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cause | Genetics + DHT |
| Progression | Follows Norwood pattern |
| Treatable? | Yes, especially if caught early |
| Reversible? | Partially — depends on the stage |
| Permanent solution | Hair transplant |
| Most effective combo | Finasteride + Minoxidil + supportive care |
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