Signs of Male Pattern Baldness: What to Look For
If you have noticed a new bald spot on your head, extra strands of hair on your hairbrush, or if your hairline is creeping backward, Male Pattern Baldness might be responsible for it.
According to MedlinePlus, Male Pattern Baldness, or Androgenetic Alopecia, affects more than 50% of men over the age of 50.
But several treatment options are available if you catch your symptoms in the initial phase.
Therefore it becomes essential to know the symptoms and signs of Male Pattern Baldness.
Male Pattern Baldness Symptoms
The signs of Male Pattern Baldness are gradual and appear over several years.
It means you will not wake up one morning and find yourself balding.
The balding happens slowly and progresses over time.
The hair also becomes thinner, finer, and shorter.
Discussed below are the most commonly observed signs of hair loss in men (Male Pattern Baldness).
Receding hairline
A receding hairline is the most common symptom of Male Pattern Baldness.
The hairline moves backward to form an M or a V-shape.
This gradual thinning and falling of hair lead to a U-shape (horseshoe) pattern around the back of the head.
It is common to see that the hairline does not recede in the same pattern.
You might notice that one side of your hairline is more affected than the other.
This uneven hair thinning is not unusual and should not concern you.
Thinning crown
Not all people notice hair loss around the hairline.
For some people, hair loss starts around the vertex (circular area at the back of the head), which expands over time.
Observing hair thinning in the crown area is challenging since it is not visible when you look at yourself in the mirror.
This might often lead to a delay in the diagnosis of the condition.
One of the ways to check for this type of hair loss is to hold a mirror at the back of the head.
Or you can take pictures of it to compare and see any noticeable balding.
Diffuse thinning
This hair loss usually affects the entire head without any apparent effects on other specific areas.
It is not as common as a receding hairline or thinning crown, but diffuse thinning is a sign of Male Pattern Baldness.
You can easily notice this type of hair loss when your hair is wet.
Stages of Male Pattern Baldness
Since signs of Male Pattern Baldness escalate gradually, it has various levels of progression.
This is measured using a Norwood Scale.
The Norwood scale (also called the Hamilton-Norwood scale) is a classification system to measure the extent of Male Pattern Baldness.
The Norwood scale has seven stages.
Stage 1
This stage represents a standard adult hairline that has little to no balding.
There is no hair loss, and the hairline is not visibly receding.
Stage 2
At this stage, there is noticeable hair loss around the temples.
You may observe uneven hair thinning on both sides of the head.
This is called an adult or maturing hairline.
Stage 3
At this stage, the first visible signs of balding start to appear.
The hair around the temples recedes deeply, forming an M, U, or V shape.
You will notice that your hair in this area may be thinning or barely present.
You might also begin to lose hair around the top part of your scalp, also called the vertex (or crown).
Stage 4
You have little to no hair along the top middle of your head at this stage.
There is an increase in hair loss at the temples and crown of your head, but a thin line of hair separates the two areas.
The hair at the sides, however, has standard thickness.
Stage 5
The band separating the temples and crown grows even thinner than in Stage 4, and there is noticeable hair thinning.
Stage 6
The thin band of hair that separated the crown and temples does not exist.
The hair on the top of the head is scanty or completely gone.
Stage 7
This is the most severe stage of hair loss.
The only hair remaining on your head is the strip going around the sides and the back of the head.
The hair is usually sparse and thin.
This might help in guiding the appropriate management of these patients.
Diagnosis
The first thing your doctor does when you complain about hair loss is to assess if the underlying cause is medical, genetic, or environmental.
Typically, Male Pattern Baldness is diagnosed based on appearance.
An observation of the pattern of hair loss reflects the severity of the condition.
Sometimes, as needed, your doctor might refer you to a dermatologist for a blood test, skin biopsy, or dermatoscopy (detailed examination) to confirm the diagnosis by ruling out other conditions.
Treatments
Male Pattern Baldness is a genetic condition that can not be cured.
It can, however, be treated to slow down its progression.
The first-line treatment includes topical or oral medications, says Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
Other treatment options are Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, Laser therapy, Microneedling, Hair Transplant, etc.
We have an article which will cater to all your needs of signs of balding. So read the article, The Top Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness.
Takeaway
Male Pattern Baldness, or Androgenetic Alopecia, is a common condition that affects many men as they age.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms, such as a receding hairline, thinning crown, or diffuse thinning, is crucial for early intervention.
While Male Pattern Baldness cannot be cured, various treatments are available to slow its progression, including topical and oral medications, platelet-rich plasma therapy, laser therapy, microneedling, and hair transplant.
It’s essential to seek a proper diagnosis from a medical professional before starting any treatment.
Understanding the stages of Male Pattern Baldness and its impact on hair quality can help individuals make informed decisions about managing this condition.
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