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MALE HAIR
LOSS AND
GENETIC HAIR
THINNING IN
MEN
Androgenic
alopecia, or
male
“pattern”
genetic
thinning is
the most
common form
of hair loss
seen in men,
and readily
identified
by the
distinct way
hair across
the top of
the scalp is
gradually
lost.
Broadly, 20%
of males in
their 20’s
will exhibit
some form of
genetic
thinning,
30% in their
30’s & so
on.
In
susceptible
men, a
percentage
of the main
male hormone
testosterone
is converted
to a more
potent
androgen
(androgens
are male
hormones)
termed
dihydrotestosterone
(DHT). DHT
gradually
exerts a
“miniturising”
effect on
the
androgen-sensitive
hair
follicles
across the
top of the
scalp.
Within a
reduced
growing
phase,
affected
follicles
then produce
fine-textured,
unpigmented
hair, which
often does
not grow
beyond a
couple of
centimeters
in length –
thus
“thinning”
of the hair
is
experienced.
Male
androgenetic
alopecia
most
commonly
shows after
puberty or
in a man’s
early 20’s.
It often
begins with
a receding
of the
hairline at
the temples,
and thinning
of the hair
density on
the crown.
Over time
all the hair
follicles
across the
top of the
scalp are
affected,
sometimes
resulting in
total
baldness.
It is
important to
note that
after
puberty,
almost 100%
of males
will show
some changes
in the shape
of their
hairline.
This does
not always
indicate the
onset of
androgenetic
alopecia.
ASSESSING
AND TREATING
MALE GENETIC
HAIR LOSS
AND THINNING
HAIR
With the
medically
approved
medication
available
today,
managing
male hair
loss is
generally
straightforward
and
uncomplicated.
However, a
qualified
practitioner
should
always
review the
young man’s
diet,
lifestyle
and medical
history, as
underlying
disturbances
in any of
these have
the
potential to
adversely
affect
treatment
outcomes.
Minoxidil
topical
solution in
combination
with the
oral
prescription
medication
Finesteride
or
Dutesteride
is the
accepted
treatment
regime for
male genetic
thinning.
Minoxidil
remains the
only topical
lotion
medically
approved to
stimulate
follicle
hair growth.
Under
various
brand names,
minoxidil is
available
‘over the
counter’ in
2% and 5%
strengths.
Advanced
“condition-specific”
formulations
of minoxidil
are now
available in
strengths up
to 10%.
These
solutions
are
propylene
glycol-free,
and have
absorption
enhancers/androgen
blockers, to
significantly
increase
their
effectiveness,
and minimize
the risk of
adverse
reaction.
The oral
medication
Finesteride
(Propecia)
and its
newer
competitor
Dutesteride,
are both
inhibitors
of the
enzyme
5-alpha
reductase.
5-Alpha
reductase
converts
testosterone
to DHT. Both
medications
stabilize
androgenetic
alopecia in
about 80% of
men.
For those
wanting to
accelerate
their hair
re-growth, a
controversial
addition to
a combined
therapy
approach
would be the
short-term
use of the
blood
pressure
drug
Loniten.
Under
medical
supervision,
one half of
a 10mg
tablet is
taken at
bedtime (to
minimize the
blood
pressure
lowering
effects) for
two months
only.
Increased
facial/body
hair is a
very common
side effect
of Loniten
therapy, so
its use in
women to
accelerate
scalp hair
re-growth is
not
advisable.
 WE
ARE
COMMITTED TO
QUALITY
CLIENT CARE
Our
success is
derived from
the synergy
of using our
acclaimed
combination
approach to
hair loss
management.
We invite you to contact us with any questions you may have.
An experienced professional will be more than happy to provide
straight forward answers to your questions, either over the
telephone or in a FREE, private, confidential meeting, at a time
that is convenient for you.
If
you would like to visit us in person to explore your options,
please call us at
(703) 212-2000,
or click on the link at right.
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