Hair Loss in Men

Nearly 50% of men will develop hair loss at some point in their lives. Usually such hair loss is androgenetic, resulting from hereditary and hormonal factors. Frequently men report that a parent or sibling is also affected. Hair loss is also progressive. This means that patients will continue to thin, despite the best medical and surgical treatment. The Norwood scale is used to assess the degree of male pattern hair loss at any one point in time (Figure). It may change over time as patients advance in age.

PropeciaŽ, or finasteride, is an oral medication that blocks the conversion of one hormone (testosterone) to another (dihydrotestosterone) in the tissues surrounding the hair follicles. Most men can benefit from this medication. In 80-90% of men, it is helpful in retaining and thickening existing follicles, as well as regrowing other hairs over the course of 6-18 months. RogaineŽ, or minoxidil, is a topical medication which can slow the progression of hair loss in men. Patients may use this alone or in conjunction with PropeciaŽ or hair transplantation.

Regardless of age or extent of involvement, hair loss can affect both our own self-image as well as the way others view us. A crucial goal in hair restoration is to create a frame for the face, which is undetectable and completely natural in appearance.

Please Click Here for information about medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss

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