Male Pattern of Baldness

Male pattern of baldness is fairly common problem among men of different age groups and mostly seen among men of more than 40 years of age. Alopecia is the medical term used for baldness, which may be male pattern or complete baldness (called alopecia universalis)

The common causes of baldness are genetic and hormonal disturbance. The genetic cause of baldness is clear from the fact that baldness is less common among Asians (Mongoloids race) in compare to Caucasians. This is a proof that baldness is genetically determined to a great extent.

The most common hormonal disturbance is mostly due to dihydrotestosterone (DTH which is an androgen), which when more than normal cause baldness in males, which is generally male pattern of baldness.

Treatment of baldness: commonly male pattern of baldness is treated by anti-androgens. Most commonly used are finesteride (available as propecia, proscar, fincar etc. and many more trade names), dutesteride etc. which are 5-alpha reductase enzyme inhibitor. 5-alpha reductase enzyme is the enzyme which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, thus reduce dihydrotestosterone level which is mainly responsible for male pattern of baldness.

Propecia or finesteride was initially approved for treatment of benigh prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but later on it was seen to cause hair growth in bald areas of head and is now approved by many authorities around the world for treatment of baldness including USFDA.