With male pattern baldness, the growth cycle of hair shortens and the hair grows in thinner. Speak to your doctor to discuss potential effective ways to stop hair loss. Avoid supplement products that claim to cure male pattern baldness and have no proven scientific data to back the claims.
Finasteride
The American Hair Loss Association states that finasteride has been clinically proven to be effective at treating male pattern baldness. In 1997, the FDA approved 1 mg of finasteride to treat male pattern baldness. The drug is taken orally and works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into the hormone DHT. DHT is the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. This treatment method is only recommended for men suffering from hair loss.
Hair Transplant Surgery
The Mayo Clinic includes hair transplant surgery on its website as a treatment for hair loss. Surgery is usually recommended by doctors if less invasive methods have not cured hair loss. During the surgery, skin containing healthy hair follicles is surgically grafted to the balding areas of the scalp. The skin used in the procedure is typically removed from the back or sides of the scalp. This surgery may be done in conjunction with scalp reduction. For scalp reduction, hairless portions of the scalp are surgically excised, then covered with portions of the scalp containing hair.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Minoxidil is typically used for men who do not respond to finasteride. The over-the-counter drug is applied topically to the scalp. It allows the hair follicles to open up for better growth. Minoxidil does not affect the hormones that stimulate hair production.
