About Male Pattern Baldness And Its Treatments
Male pattern baldness, scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. A large number of men experience this condition in their middle ages; however, some men may experience male pattern baldness at a much early age. In this condition, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern beginning above both temples. Hair also thins at the crown of the head. Male pattern baldness often progresses to partial or complete baldness in men.
Phases of male pattern baldness
Our hair follicles are divided into two phases, that is the growing phase and the resting phase. Almost 90% of our hairs are in growth phase, which lasts for approximately 4 to 5 years. During the growth phase, our hairs grow in length. Once the hairs are fully grown, the resting phase starts, which lasts for up to 4 months. After this period, the old hair falls out completely and in natural course these are replaced by new hair. This is an ongoing process in which we may lose up to 100 hairs daily. However, in men suffering from male pattern baldness, hair fall increases at an alarming rate; the new hairs that replace the old ones come slowly or are too thin.
According to experts, men should begin treatment for male pattern baldness as soon as they notice this problem. Beginning the treatment early helps to check further hair loss and treat the condition more effectively.
How to cure male pattern baldness?
While many men choose to live with the condition, others try all sorts of cures advertised over the internet and in the media. Some of the popular treatment options available for male pattern baldness include:
Use of herbal shampoos and oils – There are large number of herbal shampoos and oils available on the market; each claim about giving guaranteed treatment. However, their effectiveness has not yet been proven.
Minoxidil solution – Available over the counter by the trade names of Rogaine and Regaine, minoxidil helps to slow down or stop hair loss as well as promote hair regrowth. However, this medicine has shown limited success and many people find it uncomfortable to use.
Propecia finasteride – This is by far one of the most effective medications available for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Propecia finasteride was approved by the FDA in1997 as a prescription treatment for male pattern baldness. Propecia is available in a pill form which is to be taken orally once a day.
How effective is Propecia to treat male pattern baldness?
Propecia is the most effective treatment that is currently available for male pattern baldness. Studies have shown that almost 80% of men using Propecia stopped or even reversed their hair loss to a certain degree. However, for the benefits to continue, you will need to take the pill everyday. Once you stop the treatment, hair gained during the treatment will be lost within one year. To get effective results you should begin the treatment early. Propecia finasteride is to be used by men only. It should never be used by women and children.
Hayden Eck – Health Adviser and Webmaster of online health clinic AtlanticDrugs.com, has been providing health newsletters and articles since last 5 years. He has also provided vital information for consultation of prescription treatments like (finasteride) a treatment pill at AtlanticDrugs.