What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of male hair loss. This type of hair loss is responsible for 95% of all male hair loss cases. A proportion of male sufferers will endure alopecia areata, which is where your hair falls out in chunks, creating a patchy effect. What hair is left may become thin and weak, leaving noticeable patchy bald spots.

Male pattern baldness usually begins with the hair receding and thinning at the front of your head. At the same time, the hair on top of your head also starts to thin. This continues until a bald patch begins to appear and enlarge in the middle of your scalp. The receding front and the bald patch on top of your head then begin to gradually join together. You are then left with a rim of hair around the back and sides of your head. In some cases, this rim of hair also disappears and you are left with an entirely bald head.

Male pattern baldness is a direct result of hereditary genetics and hormonal changes. Dihydrotestosterone is the hormone that is chiefly accountable for hair loss, with most men suffering from its visible effects by the age of 50.

What effects can male pattern baldness have?

Though hair loss won’t cause you any physical pain, it can cause a damaging amount of psychological stress. It can also lead to a loss in confidence and self esteem. Once your hair loss becomes noticeable you may wish to try some of the treatments that are available to combat male pattern baldness and aloplecia areata.

What should I do if I?m suffering from male pattern baldness?

If you are suffering from male pattern baldness, or any other type of hair loss, you should seek professional advice from your doctor. He/she will be able to advise you on what the most suitable type of treatment is for your condition. You can either consult your local GP for a prescription or fill out an online medical questionnaire. You consultation will then be studied by a registered doctor. If he thinks you are suitable, he will issue you with a prescription for a hair loss treatment.

What is Propecia?

Propecia is a new and proven hair loss treatment that is available to treat and to help control male pattern baldness. Propecia is a reductase inhibitor. It works effectively by controlling and restricting the action of the enzyme type 2 5 alpha reductase which transforms the male hormone, testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT attacks your hair follicles and makes your roots weaker, resulting in hair loss. Propecia works to control this production of DHT to effectively help slow and stop your hair loss. Propecia was created and manufactured by Merck. Propecia is strictly unsuitable for women to use.

If you suffer from male pattern baldness, you should consult your doctor first and follow his/her advice concerning the prescription medication that they may prescribe. At 121doc, you can consult a doctor through our online consultation form. If approved, your medication can be prescribed to you and sent from the 121doc pharmacy.