General Information

DEFINITION--Gradual, painless hair loss that occurs in a distinctive pattern as a person ages. The earlier hair loss begins, the greater the eventual loss. Some persons have short periods of intense hair loss, followed by long, stable periods.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Hair; scalp.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--In men, appears as early as the 20s; in women, rarely appears before the 50s.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• In men, hair loss occurs on top of the head and in the temple areas of the scalp.
• In women, hair loss usually occurs only on top of the head.
• In both sexes, some diffuse loss may also occur.

> Hormonal factors. Male hormones are an important factor in balding. Men castrated at a young age don't develop pattern baldness--regardless of genetic factors--unless they receive supplemental testosterone (a male hormone). Correspondingly, estrogen (a female hormone) may be protective in women, because hair loss rarely begins before menopause.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Family history of pattern baldness. Hair loss that occurs after illness, pregnancy or as an adverse reaction to drugs is a different form of baldness.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present. The drug minoxidil has been shown to slow or reverse baldness to some degree in some men. Other medical treatments are undergoing study.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor, if diagnosis is in doubt.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE--Self-care.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--No medical complications, but baldness can cause emotional distress.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Incurable at present.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't use products that promise to cure baldness such as vitamin formulas, ointments, creams or massage oils. They are useless.
• If you cannot accept balding as part of aging, there are 2 options: Consider wearing a toupee or wig. Consider a hair-transplant operation (see Hair Transplant in Surgery section). This surgery may have complications, so discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

MEDICATION--Medicine is not necessary for this disorder. A drug, minoxidil, has been reported to stimulate hair growth, but effectiveness and long-term benefits are still unproven. If it helps you, you may need to continue applications indefinitely to sustain improvement.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If