Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is responsible for the vast majority of hair loss in men. By age 35, two-thirds of American men will have some degree of hair loss. Men with androgenetic alopecia have hair follicles that have a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hair follicles begin to miniaturize, and shorten the lifespan on the hair follicle, leading to baldness.
Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness
The treatment of men’s hair loss has remarkably improved in the past few years. Through a combination of topical solutions, oral medications, and surgical hair transplantation, Dr. Michele Green can help patients from both slowing down the progression of hair loss, but also replacing lost hair.
Propecia (Finasteride, Proscar)
Finasteride is the generic name for the brand name Proscar or Propecia. In December 1997, the FDA approved a 1 mg dose of Finasteride to treat male pattern baldness. Propecia works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. By decreasing DHT levels in the scalp, it effectively stops the progression of hair loss.
In clinical trials, the progression of hair loss was stopped in 86% of men. 65% of men observed a significant increase in hair loss as well.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil (Rogaine) was the first drug approved by the FDA to treat male pattern baldness. Dr. Green usually recommends Minoxidil in combination with other treatment for hair loss.
Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is a highly effective cosmetic surgical tool to restore hair loss. Good surgical candidates must have significant donor hair still available from the posterior scalp area to transplant. Dr. Michele Green will analyze your hair loss in consultation to determine if you may be a good candidate for this procedure.
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