Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopeciaor as it is called by doctors, is experienced by approximately 40 million
men in the U.S. every year. Symptoms usually begin around age 30 for about a quarter of the victims with the remainder
experiencing noticeable baldness by age 60. However, some male pattern baldness has been observed at puberty in a small
sample of men.
The symptoms of male pattern baldness usually appear at the temples, as a receding hairline, and at the top of the head
towards the back as a bald spot. In most men these two areas spread towards each other resulting in a horseshoe-shaped
area of hair remaining on the lower back and sides of the head.
It is believed that male pattern baldness is caused by an excess of androgen hormones, including testosterone and
dihydrotestosterone, which affect the hair's ability to remain thick and reproduce.
Male pattern baldness seems to be hereditary and is usually passed down through the male side of the family tree. Although
there are no cures for this condition, medical and surgical procedures do exist which have been shown to be able to reduce
the effects. In the case of hair transplant surgery the entire head of hair may be restored by implanting hair follicles
from other parts of the body.
If you are experiencing male pattern baldness it is best to consult with your doctor to help determine the proper course
of action.
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