What Men Need to Know About Baldness

Hair loss especially in men causes a great deal of anxiety. Men have come to symbolize hair loss as a ‘un-manly’ trait. In a survey about the fears, men hair loss is ranked number two after impotence.

Not even major superstars like Sean Connery a.k.a. James Bond, Bruce Willis or Vin Diesel have been able to make baldness acceptable and fashionable. However, most men still fear a receding hairline and try various methods to get some treatment for baldness.

Common Reasons for Baldness in Men

For some men hair loss starts early in life, but for most it happens in their late 30’s.

• It is a known medical fact that hair loss is not due to poor circulation, lack of nutrition or clogged hair follicles. In most cases, hair loss is due to a genetic sensitivity of the hair follicles.
• In hereditary hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness, hair is lost around the temple areas and the crown of the head. This is because of an over sensitivity of the hair follicles to normal levels of testosterone in the body.

But not every hair follicle is oversensitive that is why some hair fall out while some doesn’t. This type of hair loss is usually irreversible. Hair transplantation is the only option for a person suffering from androgenic alopecia, the scientific name given to hereditary hair loss.

Other reversible hair loss causes include; iron deficiency, non-functioning of the thyroid gland, scalp infections, some prescription medication, chemotherapy and severe stress. Most of these conditions can be corrected by medication and the hair can grow normally back again.

Treating Baldness in Men

It is important to seek out a doctor’s advice when it comes to treating baldness. This is because a doctor can distinguish between typical male pattern baldness and hair loss as a result of anemia, hypothyroidism or the side effects of medication.

• A huge market has come into existence to cater to men and women with hair loss and baldness problems. Bizarre treatments have included rubbing curry on the head or having a cow lick the scalp.
• What needs to be kept in mind is that there is no cure for hair loss, but it can be stopped and its effects reversed to a certain extent. At present, there are two available medications for treating hair loss, Propecia and Rogaine.
• Propecia is a prescription medication for men only. It works by preventing the destruction of the hair follicles. Rogaine on the other hand is a topical medication that works by stimulating the hair follicle and keeps it growing.
• The most direct forms of hair loss treatment are wigs and hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is a very expensive process and can be very painful. However, it is a permanent solution for baldness in men.

Some people also use different hairstyles to minimize the appearance of baldness like old fashioned ‘comb overs’ to show off a fuller head of hair.

While hair loss is a prevalent in many men, most of them still suffer emotional distress, lack of self esteem and in some cases even depression over a receding hairline. What men need to realize is that hair loss is not the end of the world. By not making it an issue, they can live more productive, satisfied and happier lives.