By far the most common cause of  hair loss in men is a genetic predisposition to thinning hair and balding, technically known as androgenetic alopecia. Most people refer to it as male pattern baldness.  The condition also affects women to a surprising degree.

Androgenetic Alopecia, or progressive genetically caused hair loss in men can be extremely traumatic and create high levels of emotional stress and loss of self-confidence.

In the case of genetic male pattern baldness, there is no medical cure. The hair follicles, which contain blood vessels that nurture the growth of new hair, grows, sheds, and regrows new hair shafts in a cyclical, repetitive cycles throughout a person’s lifetime.  This cyclic hair growth occurs typically over a period of approximately 24-36 months.

At the end of this growth phase, growth stops and the hair follicle enters it’s resting phase.  After three to four months, the hair is then shed and the next new hair growth cycle starts.

For the average man, roughly 80%-90% of hair follicles are growing at any given time.

In the case of men suffering from androgenetic alopecia, androgen hormones cause their hair follicles to have a shortened growth phase which in turn results in the hair shaft being unusually thin and short. Over time, they become shorter and thinner and the appearance of balding is much more pronounced.

In the case of androgenetic alopecia, the way it affects each man is different, and is dependent on his family history.

Happily, there are treatments for androgenetic alopecia which can greatly reduce the appearance of hair loss, including topical treatments as well as medical hair restoration and hair transplants.

For additional information, on these clinically proven hair restoration options, contact the Moore Hair Clinic in St. Louis for a private, one-on-one consultation regarding your specific questions and situation.

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Overcoming Male Pattern Baldness | Dr. Richard Moore St. Louis MO

mens hair restoration transplants st louis missouriIf you’re experiencing men’s hair loss, it’s important not to let it affect your self-esteem or the way you feel about your masculinity. In fact, the best thing you can do is to get educated about why it causes feelings of insecurity, what might be causing your hair loss, and the steps you can take to help regrow your hair.

Going Bald Does Not Make You Less of a Man

So as you look in the mirror each day you have noticed your hair is getting a little sparse in places it wasn’t just a few years ago, it can suddenly feel self-conscious. When this happens, either you can choose to not let it define you and cause you to withdraw from society, or you can look for a solution for hair regrowth.

Either way, acceptance of yourself is key. Take a step back and realize that the amount of hair you have or don’t have, on your head has nothing to do with your level of masculinity.

Why Me?

If you’re one of the many men struggling with receding hairlines, alopecia areata, or male pattern hair loss, you may ask yourself, “Why me?” from time to time. Well, the good news is that a variety of genetic factors and medical conditions are responsible for most occurrences of baldness in men. In fact, male pattern baldness sufferers have inherited hair follicles that are genetically sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This means that, over time, the hair follicles become smaller and experience a shortened life span. Other causes of men’s hair loss can include certain diseases, side effects of some medications, or even extreme stress. However, for most men, if you would like to point a finger and blame anyone for your baldness be sure to blame both your father and mother as it’s simply a matter of genetics.

Understanding Male Pattern Baldness

As men with male pattern baldness continue to have hair loss progress, you may end up with a bald spot on top of your head. For some men, this can become more severe as they eventually lose all their hair over time.

Genetics is the most common factor behind hair loss for most men, there are other issues that can cause hair loss. Being under stress for a while, or new medications you could be taking. There can be underlying reasons for your thinning hair.

Look Guys — I’m Bald

Although it may seem embarrassing, it really is very important to discuss your baldness with friends or family. Not only can this help you realize that thinning hair does not mark the end of your youth, but it can also help encourage other men in your life to discuss their own thoughts and feelings about their hair.

You never know — you may find that talking about your own feelings on your hair loss to many of your friends, they may find the courage to talk about their struggles with the same insecurities you are feeling.

Treating hair loss starts with talking with a hair loss expert. In a private setting, they will examine the areas of the scalp where you have hair loss and then they can discuss with you the different options they feel would work for you and your unique thinning hair situation.

Total Hair Loss Solutions in St. Louis

If you are experiencing hair loss and thinning hair, Dr. Moore and his team at the Moore Hair Clinic in St Louis, Missouri have decades of experience in hair restoration, hair transplantation, and hair loss treatment. To find out if hair transplantation is right for you, we invite you to schedule a private, confidential hair loss evaluation and consultation by completing our convenient online consultation form or by calling us at (314) 764-4000.

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male pattern hair loss st louis mo

Male Pattern Baldness: Frequently Asked Questions

male pattern hair loss st louis mo

Despite what you might think hair loss is common and so is male pattern baldness. However, knowing this type of hair loss is common isn’t necessarily comforting. What might be comforting is the ability to learn more about this type of men’s hair loss and what you can do about it with the latest advances in permanent, natural hair transplants in St. Louis, as well as clinically proven hair loss treatment solutions.

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?

The main cause of male pattern baldness can be mostly attributed to genetics. This means that your family has had a history of this type of hair loss. According to Healthline, research has found that male pattern baldness is associated with male sex hormones called androgens. The androgens have many functions including regulating hair growth as each hair on your head has a growth cycle. With male pattern baldness, this growth cycle begins to weaken and the hair follicle shrinks, producing shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, the growth cycle for each hair ends and no new hair grows in its place as its naturally supposed to.

Male pattern baldness can also occur from two other factors such as simply age or medical conditions. These medical conditions can consist of cancers, thyroid conditions or even certain medications. Talk to your doctor if you start to lose hair after taking new medications. Also, if you are unsure the main cause of you hair loss, seek a hair loss evaluation from specialists who can determine the specific cause and solution that’s best for you.

How Do I Know If I Have Male Pattern Baldness?

male pattern baldness treatment st louis missouriThe most common indication of having male pattern baldness is a steady retreat of hair departing from the forehead. This can be seen in a distinctive “M” shape, also known as a receding hairline. If the hairs at the top of your hairline are thinning, or being shed without being replaced within the normal growth process, you might be suffering from Androgenic Alopecia. These signs of a receding hairline will continue as the hair is lost from the crown of the head, leaving the top of the head bald creating the “horseshoe” effect. Although the “horseshoe” is the most common, the area of hair loss varies for different people but will typically always be at the top of the scalp. However, you might still be thinking how do I know for sure if my hair loss is due to male pattern baldness? The sure way to know if it’s genetic, is by observing whether the hair loss is all over your scalp or just on the top. Male pattern baldness will not affect the back or sides so you can be almost certain of the condition if your thinning is typically confined to the top of the scalp.

Can Male Pattern Baldness Be Prevented?

Male pattern baldness can’t necessarily be prevented, however there are ways you can strengthen and ensure your hair’s overall health. You can do this by being gentle with your hair and avoid using harsh chemicals or constant heat styling products. In fact, you can also maintain healthier hair by consuming nutritious and nourishing foods that are not only good for your diet but also for your hair. Lastly, just simply taking care of your hygiene is another effective way to keep your hair healthy and strong. Read our blog, 7 Lifestyle Habits That Contribute to Hair Loss to learn more ways you might be damaging your hair. Ultimately, healthier individuals will have a higher chance of minimizing the overall effects and appearance of hair loss.

How Much Hair Will I Lose?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer to this question. The amount of hair loss varies for each individual due to different lifestyle factors and causes of hair loss. However, more hair is typically lost with age. Men can start experiencing hair loss from male pattern baldness as early as their late teens. Yet, it’s more common as you age. In fact, two-thirds of men are affected by male pattern baldness by the age of 35, however that increases by 80% for males over the age of 50 (Source).

What Are The Best Treatments For This Type Of Hair Loss?

There are several treatments out there claiming to be the solution for male pattern baldness. However, every person is different and the treatment should be specific to the individual’s hair loss, lifestyle factors and personal preferences. No one treatment is the perfect solution for every man struggling with male pattern baldness. To find out what solution is best for you, do some research and consider a hair loss evaluation from a hair restoration specialist.

Working with a hair loss specialist like Dr. Moore can help you create the best scalp environment to maintain your hair.  A prevention plan starts with good hair care products to to keep your scalp in the best condition and ph for hair growth.  A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. Laser treatments increase blood flow and and helps your thinning hair reach its full potential.

St. Louis Hair Restoration Specialists

At the Moore Hair Clinic in St. Louis, we are very proud to provide each of our clients with the very latest advances in hair transplant and hair loss treatment technology and clinically proven male and female hair loss solutions. The Moore Hair Clinic is a recognized leader in multi-therapeutic hair loss treatment, hair restoration and St. Louis hair transplantation for men and women suffering from Alopecia, balding, and thinning hair.

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effects of dht hair loss cause

Dihydrotestosterone: Your Hair’s Worst Enemy

What is the Relationship of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to Thinning Hair & Balding?

There are many different causes of hair loss in both men and women, most of which aren’t well understood. Some sources are genetic while others are physical symptoms of disease processes. Others still are the result of hormones, which often affect so many aspects of our health. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of these hormonal processes that affects men and women alike. But what is it? And in particular, how is it related to thinning hair and balding? And most importantly, what can you do about it?

What Is DHT and Why Does It Matter?

effects of dht hair loss causeDHT is an androgen, which is a hormone that produces male characteristics like body hair and deep voices. Although men’s bodies produce more androgens, women’s bodies also produce the hormone. This includes DHT. Up to 10% of a man’s testosterone is typically converted into Dihydrotestosterone. According to Medical News Today, DHT “attaches to the same sites as testosterone, but more easily,” and it tends to remain bound longer.

DHT serves a conflicting role in hair growth. While it’s necessary for hair growth in places like under the arms and on the face, it actually negatively affects hair on the head. The exact reason is unknown, but it’s thought that DHT binds to androgen receptors on the hair follicles, which triggers them to begin miniaturizing, a process which results in hair being unable to grow as long as it once did. Eventually, the hair becomes so short that it doesn’t even make it past the scalp. This hair easily falls out as well.

Is DHT Just a Men’s Thing?

DHT doesn’t affect everyone equally. No one knows precisely why some people experience DHT sensitivity while others don’t, but medical researchers theorize that this increased sensitivity could be due to greater levels of DHT production in the body, an elevated level of DHT or androgenetic receptor follicles, and higher overall levels of testosterone, which subsequently converts to higher levels of DHT.

Both men and women are affected by DHT-induced hair loss, but women are especially susceptible. All women produce a small amount of testosterone, but even those small amounts can spell trouble for her hair. For women, DHT can lead to problems either through direct increase in levels or through a hormone imbalance that creates a higher relative level of DHT compared to other hormones that keep it in check.

What Can You Do About the Effects of DHT?

There is no magic bullet cure, but some medications can lower the amount of DHT your body produces, which can slow the balding process or even delay it if taken early enough. Before starting any treatment, however, be sure to speak with your doctor, and reach out to the specialists at our St. Louis hair restoration clinic to explore the hair loss treatment and hair restoration options which are most appropriate to your specific situation.

Talk to a Hair Restoration Specialist

The best way to determine the most appropriate hair loss solution for you is to talk privately with a trained hair restoration and hair loss treatment specialist. At the Moore Hair Clinic in St. Louis, we constantly strive to give you the freedom to choose what is the absolute best solution for you. We provide our clients with personalized custom solutions, including state-of-the-art advanced hair transplant procedures and non-surgical hair loss treatment options that are so natural that there is simply no reason to suffer from hair loss or baldness any longer.

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