Hair Loss in Men
MenŐs Hair Loss Overview
Although there are many types of hair loss prevalent in todayŐs world, menŐs hair loss has garnered the most attention and received the most research, which has resulted in several important advances in regards to reversing the effects of menŐs hair loss in general. Below is an overview of the menŐs hair loss issue, but if you have more specific questions, you can get specific answers by contacting a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation.
Causes of Hair Loss in Men
The causes of hair loss in men are numerous in nature, but by far the most prevalent of these causes of hair loss is a condition known as androgenic alopecia, or more commonly known as male pattern baldness (MPB). MPB is the result of genetics more than any other factor, and specifically, a genetic sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a by product of testosterone, and DHT basically shrinks hair follicles, which creates a shorter life span for these hair producing elements. There are other causes of hair loss in men, but they are far less common, and they include stress and mismanagement of hair.
Types of MenŐs Hair Loss
Types of menŐs hair loss are vast in number, but again, the majority of these issues fall under the realm of MPB. Given this reality, MPBŐs relation to the types of menŐs hair loss is dominant, and the physical pattern of the onset of MPB is very consistent. Generally, MPB patients will notice a receding hair line and a loss of the hairŐs crown, followed by a steady progression of hair loss throughout the rest of the scalp. Other types of menŐs hair loss can include a reaction to medication or drugs and the effects of extreme stress.
Tests/Diagnosis/Treatment of Mens Hair Loss
Given the prevalence of MPB, the tests/diagnosis/treatment of this condition are quite standard in nature. Basically, these tests/diagnosis/treatment steps involve a medical professional examining the scalp closely in search of hair follicles that are reduced in size. If this condition is discovered, then MPB is almost always the cause. In terms of treatment, new medications have made astounding progress in slowing the progression of MPB, and these medications attack the condition in different ways.
The Norwood Scale
The Norwood Scale is a standard ŇchartÓ that allows medical professionals to scale the level of male pattern baldness that has occurred or is occurring in a patient. The Norwood Scale ranges in degree of severity of baldness from Stage I to Stage VIII, with Stage VIII representing the most severe level of hair loss. The Norwood Scale is also helpful for patients who need to describe their condition to a doctor over the phone or in some other way when beginning the process of attacking MPB.
TeenagersŐ Hair Loss
Although it doesnŐt receive much attention, teenagersŐ hair loss is becoming a more common problem than most realize. TeenagersŐ hair loss can be a result of several factors, including genetic issues and environmental problems such as extreme stress or emotional or physical trauma. However, teenagersŐ hair loss has a much more positive prognosis in general than MPB, but you need to see a medical professional as soon as possible to attack the problem at its core.
Although there are many types of and causes for menŐs hair loss, medical science is advancing rapidly, and there are several options available for those who seek to reverse this trend. The first thing you need to do, however, is contact a medical professional to ascertain the cause of your condition.