What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a genetic condition that causes hair loss in men. It is the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting more than 50% of men over the age of 50. Male pattern baldness is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. It is believed to be linked to the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is produced from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink and produce shorter, finer hairs, eventually leading to hair loss. In men with a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness, the hair follicles on the scalp are more sensitive to DHT, leading to a faster rate of hair loss. Other factors that may contribute to male pattern baldness include age, stress, poor nutrition, and certain medications. Male pattern baldness typically begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head, eventually leading to a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head. While there is no cure for male pattern baldness, there are treatments available that can slow down or reverse the progression of hair loss, including medications like finasteride and minoxidil, hair transplant surgery, and other hair restoration techniques.