Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) Quiz
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Loss of hair
Thinning and softening of the hair on my head
Receding hairline
Thinning hair
Thinning and softening of the hair on my scalp
Front part of the hairline is moving back
Losing hair
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)?
A common type of baldness that occurs with age. In males, the hairline recedes along with hair loss on the sides and top of the scalp. In females, the condition is characterized by the progressive loss of hairs over the frontal and top regions of the scalp, causing a visible reduction in hair density. The exact cause is unknown, but hormones and genetics play an important role.
Typical Symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
- Hair loss
- Scalp hair has become thin and soft
- Receding hairline
- Area of bald skin with unclear edges
- Skin problems
Diagnostic Questions for Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Are you experiencing increased hair loss?
- Is your head hair thin and soft?
- Is your hairline receding?
- Do you have an area of bald skin with unclear edges?
- Do you have any skin problems
Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
Multiple treatments options are available for this chronic condition, from topicals applied directly to the scalp, oral medications, to hair transplant surgery and injections of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP).
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 19, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)?
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Hair thinning
- Bald spots
- Scalp visible through hair
- Patchy hair loss
- Rashes
- Excessive hair shedding
- Before the hair loss, the scalp was itchy
- No new hair growth
- Hair breakage
- Scalp itch or discomfort, followed by hair falling out
- Leg rash
- Brittle hair
- Hair loss after an itchy scalp
- Balding
- Scalp showing in back of head
See full list
Symptoms Related to Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
Diseases Related to Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
FAQs
Q.
Why Is My Hair Thinning at the Temples? Causes and Your Regrowth Plan
A.
There are several factors to consider. Common temple thinning causes include genetic pattern hair loss, hormonal shifts, stress related shedding, traction from tight hairstyles, nutrient deficiencies such as low iron or vitamin D, and thyroid problems. A practical regrowth plan centers on identifying your trigger, using evidence based treatments like topical minoxidil and selected prescriptions when appropriate, correcting confirmed deficiencies, and reducing mechanical stress, with a doctor visit if loss is sudden, severe, or comes with other symptoms; see the complete step by step guidance below.
References:
* Goren, A., Sharma, A., Dhaliwal, S., & Shapiro, J. (2022). Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Comprehensive Review. *Dermatology and Therapy*, *12*(3), 643–654.
* Gupta, M., & Mysore, V. R. (2023). Androgenetic Alopecia. In *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing.
* Adil, A., & Godwin, M. (2017). The effectiveness of low-level light therapy for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, *77*(6), 1147–1154.e3.
* Olsen, E. A. (2018). Female pattern hair loss: a clinical, aetiopathogenetical and therapeutic review. *British Journal of Dermatology*, *179*(6), 1251–1260.
* Levoska, M. A., & Aguh, C. (2018). Traction alopecia: a systematic review. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, *79*(6), 1139–1149.e3.
Q.
Hair Vanishing? Why Your Scalp is "Starving" & Medically Approved Minoxidil Steps
A.
Hair thinning is most often due to androgenic alopecia, where DHT gradually miniaturizes follicles so the scalp feels like it is starving; FDA approved minoxidil can boost blood flow, prolong growth, and slow loss when started early and used exactly as directed. There are several factors to consider, including choosing the right strength, applying to a dry scalp every day, expecting short term shedding, watching for side effects, and knowing when other conditions or a doctor visit may change your plan; see the complete step by step guidance below.
References:
* Maeda T, Inui S. Scalp microcirculation in androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Dec;22(12):3316-3323. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15871. Epub 2023 Jul 26. PMID: 37492160.
* Badri T, Almohanna HM, Travieso L, et al. Minoxidil: A Comprehensive Review of Its Use in Dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 May;14(5):37-43. PMID: 34168783; PMCID: PMC8219602.
* Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul S. Topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review of the efficacy and safety. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Feb;10(1):31-40. doi: 10.1007/s13555-019-00330-y. Epub 2019 Dec 11. PMID: 31828552; PMCID: PMC6995079.
* Gubelin H, Almohanna HM, Travieso L, et al. Nutritional Factors in Hair Loss: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 May;14(5):29-36. PMID: 34168782; PMCID: PMC8219601.
* Ho CH, Goh CL. Androgenetic Alopecia: Pathogenesis and Management. Med Clin North Am. 2022 Jan;106(1):15-29. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.08.006. PMID: 34801269.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Ntshingila S, Oputu O, Arowolo AT, Khumalo NP (Year). Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD international.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37823040/Kanti V, Messenger A, Dobos G, Reygagne P, Finner A, Blumeyer A, Trakatelli M, Tosti A, Del Marmol V, Piraccini BM, Nast A, Blume-Peytavi U (Year). Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men - short version. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29178529/Bajoria PS, Dave PA, Rohit RK, Tibrewal C, Modi NS, Gandhi SK, Patel P (Year). Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials. Cureus.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37663989/