All of us lose some amount of hair everyday, but the body naturally regenerates this and that’s why we hardly notice it happening. But when the hair that falls out is not replaced by new hair, baldness occurs.

What Is Pattern Baldness?

Pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss or alopecia. As the name indicates, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern.

The pattern of hair loss, however, differs in men and women. The hairline recedes to a characteristic M shape in men whereas in women, thinning of hair occurs throughout the entire scalp.

What Causes Pattern Baldness?

Pattern baldness is the result of many contributing factors. Testosterone, a male sex hormone, is broken down in the body by an enzyme to a derivative known as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is said to have a damaging effect on the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and shut down. When this happens, hair loss occurs. Such a loss is termed androgenic or androgenetic alopecia or AGA. Around 95% of all baldness is due to AGA.

Baldness in a man does not necessarily mean more levels of testosterone compared to other men nor does it relate in any way to sexual potency.

What Age Does Pattern Baldness Occur?

If you are about 20–45 years of age and you notice any of the following symptoms it’s a good chance that the process has begun.

• Loss of hair in different areas
• A receding hairline
• Thinning of hair
• Patchy bald areas

The rate of baldness increases progressively with age.

What Role Do Genetics Play In Baldness?

Though the inherent pattern of baldness is unclear, your genetic constitution can play a role in the development of a receding hairline or the patchy bald areas. It could mean that your hair follicles are genetically more susceptible to the effects of DHT. Since women have small amounts of DHT, it could also affect them if they are genetically predisposed.

Unlike an earlier belief that hair loss is inherited from the mother’s side, it is now known that hair loss can be inherited from both maternal and paternal sides.

Psychosocial Effects Of Pattern Balding

People with pattern baldness tend to feel dissatisfied with their appearance or become self-conscious. Loss of hair has also been associated with aging and many feel devastated by the loss of ‘youth’. Loss of self-esteem and confidence has also been noted.

If you experience hair loss, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Success of hair loss treatment depends a lot on early intervention.

Treatment Options

• Finasteride: The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase helps in the breakdown of testosterone to DHT. Use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride can stop or slow the progression of hair loss. Oral finasteride is usually the first line of treatment for males. Effects are noticeable only after about 4 months.
• Minoxidil: Minoxidil is the only drug approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for female pattern baldness. Though topical application of minoxidil can slow progression of hair loss and help regrow some hair, hair loss returns after its use is stopped. It is an effective treatment for those who do not respond favorably to finasteride.
• Hair transplantation: Tiny plugs of natural hair are removed from areas where the hair is continuing to grow and placed in balding areas. This requires multiple transplantation sessions and may be expensive. However, the results are excellent and permanent.