Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a common condition that affects about 50% of men by the age of 50. It is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.

The male hormone testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT is thought to be responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles, which leads to hair loss.

In addition to genetics and hormones, other factors that can contribute to male pattern hair loss include:

1.       Stress.

2.       Poor diet.

3.       Lack of sleep.

4.       Certain medications.

5.       Medical conditions such as thyroid problems and alopecia areata.

There are a number of things that men can do to prevent or slow down male pattern hair loss. These include:

·       Eating a healthy diet.

·       Getting regular exercise.

·       Managing stress.

·       Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

·       Using a shampoo or conditioner that is designed for men with hair loss.

If male pattern hair loss is severe, there are a number of medications that can help. The two most commonly used medications are minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).

Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp. It works by widening blood vessels in the scalp, which helps to deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles. Minoxidil can help to regrow hair and slow down hair loss.

Finasteride is a oral medication that blocks the production of DHT. This can help to prevent hair loss and, in some cases, regrow hair.

Both minoxidil and finasteride have been shown to be effective in treating male pattern hair loss. However, they are not without side effects. Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation and hair growth in unwanted areas. Finasteride can cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

If you are considering using minoxidil or finasteride, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Here are some studies that support the use of minoxidil and finasteride for hair growth:

·       A study published in the journal The Lancet in 2003 found that minoxidil was effective in preventing further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.

·       A study published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy in 2012 found that finasteride was effective in preventing further hair loss and regrowing hair in men with male pattern baldness.

·       A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2017 found that a combination of minoxidil and finasteride was more effective than either medication alone in preventing further hair loss and regrowing hair in men with male pattern baldness.

If you are concerned about male pattern hair loss, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the best treatment option for you.

Here are some additional tips for keeping a healthy hair growth:

·       Avoid tight hairstyles that put a lot of tension on your hair.

·       Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

·       Avoid washing your hair too often.

·       Get regular haircuts to remove split ends.

·       Protect your hair from the sun and heat styling.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your hair healthy and prevent hair loss.