Hair Loss in Men
Patient H: How can I stop my hair from thinning out? Any solution to these bald patches?
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. Excessive androgenic hormone – dihydrotestosterone, and genetics, are implicated in progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles.
This ultimately results in conversion of thicker terminal hair into thinner vellus hair. Insufficient flow of blood to the scalp and dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines which promotes microinflammation also contributes to its pathophysiology.
If you are suffering from loss of hair, you are not alone. This condition can affects close to 60% of Asians and up to 80% of Caucasians.
Our hair contributes to our self image and identity, and society perceives dense and strong hair as youthful, healthiness, beauty and success.
Loss of hair results in altered appearance which causes psychosocial distress with decreased self confidence, self esteem, heightened self consciousness and negatively affects the quality of life of patients.
Androgenetic alopecia, or male thinning hair, has a variety of contributing factors, including heredity, scalp infections, and skin disorders. There are many solutions for treating hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Hair Loss in Men Treatments:
When comparing the incidence of male pattern baldness in men and women, men suffer more frequently.
However, a lot of men still haven’t started to get help for this critical issue.
The levels of testosterone, androgen, and heredity are the most common causes of hair loss in men. Incredibly, your maternal grandfather’s hairline is a better indicator of your likelihood of experiencing hair loss than your father’s.
Hair loss in men treatments:
As more men experience hair loss, treatments ranging from aesthetic to medical to help combat the issue arise.
It’s up to you to follow the directions to observe the results from using these things, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Standard treatments for male pattern baldness include:
· Topical Treatments:
Ointments and creams are available to stimulate hair follicles and stimulate hair growth by applying them to the scalp. Before beginning the procedure, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with all relevant product information and instructions.
When using certain products, it may be necessary to apply them twice daily for optimal results. You should also not forget to submit the application. Do not apply anything on top of the ointment until it has dried, including mousse or gel.
· Oral Medication:
Oral finasteride combats the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is thought to contribute to male pattern baldness.
Be sure to take these drugs exactly as prescribed and at the times recommended by your doctor. Continuous oral ingestion is for three to six months before results show and can be a lifelong regime.
· Hair Transplants:
Cases of extreme baldness typically necessitate this treatment. Though it may help restore your hairline, this procedure is the most painful option.
There is no need for concern if you have the funds available, but if you have a low pain threshold, you may want to rethink your decision. As a rule, it takes a few sessions to see any kind of improvement.
· Cosmetic Approach:
Hair weaves and hairpieces are the forms of these take-ups. Be sure you see a professional who is qualified to perform the treatment. Despite appearances, this is not something you can accomplish without some level of experience and knowledge.
Effects of Hair Loss in Men:
6 million males worldwide are bald. Increasing numbers are frightening. Genetics causes most male baldness. bald father, bald son. A bald man looks aged. Their self-confidence suffers, turning them introverted.
Women adore macho-looking men with thick, bushy hair. Men with thinning hair in their teens owing to stress and pollution. Premature baldness is soaring.
Male pattern baldness has psychological as well as physical effects. A person’s self-esteem plummets, he becomes more reserved, and he feels ashamed of his thinning hair. This causes a lot of males to feel inferior.
Men who suffer from alopecia or hair loss can suffer from tension and depression. Male pattern baldness is usually heredity, but there are numerous additional environmental factors that play a role.
Are There Natural Products Available for the Hair Loss in Men and What Are They?
What kinds of herbal remedies are there for men who are experiencing hair thinning? In times of crisis, the first thing on most people’s minds is usually how to fix the problem quickly. Of course, this isn’t always doable. The speed with which we would like things to work is rarely achieved.
It could be some time before the hair grows back in. It just takes a few weeks for a number of natural remedies to start working.
Try some over-the-counter remedies first before giving up and considering surgical options. Men’s hair loss products are different from women’s in a few key respects.
The loss of hair in men occurs because the normal cycle of hair growth, rest, and shedding are disrupted. The antigen phase is the initial stage of hair growth.
Now more than ever, efforts are being made to stop male pattern baldness. Big advancements have occurred in this area.
It is hence, important for this to be addressed!
How do we address Hair Loss in Men – Androgenetic Alopecia with procedures?
The key lies in a combination of treatments, aimed to arrest the progression of hair loss and also to reverse the miniaturisation of the hair follicles.
Steps to Addressing Hair Loss In Men
(1) Anti Hair Loss Medications
Commonly, these include finasteride and minoxidil. The main consideration here is that it is a ongoing therapy, which means it will be a semi life long decision. If the decision here is to start and stop every now and then, this therapy will result in rebound hair losses rather than arresting the loss of hair.
(2) Stem Cell Hair Regeneration / Growth Factors
By utilising fats and hair grafts with technology to give a solution that is then reinjected back into the areas of poorer density. The improvement varies between 10 – 30% increase in density for patients.
(3) Hair Hyperstimulation Laser Therapy
Employing the use of either a specialised laser to give improved diameter and greater hair counts, thereby allowing increased hair growth and better density.
(4) Definitive Hair Restoration Using A Hair Transplant
A Hair Transplant still remains the definitive restoration by taking hair from the occipital region and grafting them to areas that are bald or have poor density. Results are definite and survival rate of the grafts ultimately depends on the team involved in the hair transplantation and also post treatment care.
**The diagnosis of how the hair loss happens remains the cornerstone before treatment.
***Though Androgenetic Alopecia remains the most common cause of hair loss, other causes must also be considered before moving on with therapy. Contact Dr Sin Yong at +65 8023710 for a consult for a diagnosis before proceeding with any treatment!
