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
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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.
Hair Still Thinning? Why Your Scalp Is Shedding + Medical Dutasteride Next Steps
A.
Hair still thinning despite over the counter products? In many men this reflects DHT-driven male pattern hair loss that OTC products do not block; prescription dutasteride can dramatically lower DHT and often slows shedding and thickens hair over 6 to 12 months, though an initial shed and sexual or mood side effects can occur. There are several factors to consider. Confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes like telogen effluvium, thyroid or iron problems, and ask about combining dutasteride with minoxidil and when to seek urgent care; see below for timelines, risks, red flags, and step by step medical next steps.
References:
* Gupta AK, Varma S. Dutasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: an update. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017 May 1;16(5):472-475. PMID: 28532152.
* Zhu Z, Liu P, Ma Y, Song Y, Wang C. Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update of Pathogenesis and Treatment. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Jul 9;8:688125. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.688125. PMID: 34299943; PMCID: PMC8298718.
* Rebora A. Telogen effluvium: A review. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2018 Dec;19(1):S40-S42. doi: 10.1016/j.jisp.2018.06.002. PMID: 30089304.
* Zhou Z, Song Y, Gao Z, Wu J, Ma H, Cui Y. Efficacy and safety of dutasteride in androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review. Dermatol Ther. 2019 Mar;32(2):e12884. doi: 10.1111/dth.12884. Epub 2019 Feb 26. PMID: 30815349.
* Shukla P, Chawla K, Singh PK, Khan MA. Comparison of the Efficacy of Finasteride and Dutasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update. Skin Appendage Disord. 2021 Apr;7(3):180-184. doi: 10.1159/000513926. Epub 2021 Mar 17. PMID: 33947477; PMCID: PMC8130889.
Q.
Is it too late? Why your hair is thinning and medically approved hair transplant next steps.
A.
It’s usually not too late to treat hair thinning, but timing and diagnosis matter; most cases are male pattern baldness driven by DHT, so doctors often start with finasteride and minoxidil, check for thyroid or iron issues, and then assess FUE or FUT transplant candidacy, since waiting can shrink donor options and limit density. There are several factors that could change your next steps, from age and stability of loss to red flags like rapid shedding or scalp symptoms, so see the complete guidance below to make the safest, most effective plan.
References:
* Ziplari, A., & Orentreich, D. (2018). Androgenetic alopecia: an update. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, *78*(1), 1-13.
* Gupta, K., Kaur, R., Sharma, R., Kaur, S., & Kaur, R. (2024). Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Management. *Current Problems in Dermatology*, *63*, 138-152.
* Messenger, A. G., & Rundegren, J. (2018). Medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia. *Clinical Plastic Surgery*, *45*(4), 513-524.
* Gupta, N., Pande, S., & Khunger, N. (2021). Hair transplantation for androgenetic alopecia: a review of current techniques. *Indian Dermatology Online Journal*, *12*(2), 209-216.
* Zito, P. M., Bakhsh, F., Maranda, E. L., & Khalsa, P. S. (2022). Recent advances in follicular unit extraction hair transplantation. *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology*, *21*(6), 2235-2241.
Q.
Hair Still Thinning? The Minoxidil Truth & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Minoxidil often slows hair loss and improves density with consistent use over months, but continued thinning can result from missed applications, advanced pattern loss, or a different diagnosis. Medically approved next steps include adding finasteride for men, checking thyroid, iron, and vitamin D, and considering LLLT, PRP, or transplant; see the complete details below for timing, who each option fits, and red flags that mean you should see a doctor.
References:
* Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakorn K. Minoxidil: A comprehensive review of its use in hair loss. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 Dec;14(12):E10-E17. PMID: 35160877; PMCID: PMC8828277.
* Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakorn K. Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss: A Review of Efficacy and Safety. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023 Jan;16(1):E13-E21. PMID: 36829775; PMCID: PMC9939223.
* Patel S, Sharma V, Singh V, Agrawal S. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Apr;19(4):755-763. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13222. Epub 2019 Nov 28. PMID: 31777085.
* Suchonwanit P, Pongpairoj K, Sirimachan S, Leerunyakorn K. Therapeutic advances in androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2023 Mar-Apr;14(2):160-170. doi: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_422_22. PMID: 37168731; PMCID: PMC10167663.
* Kwon OS, Choi M, Oh SH, Kim BJ. Emerging Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 15;23(24):15984. doi: 10.3390/ijms232415984. PMID: 38198730; PMCID: PMC10006764.
Q.
Hair Thinning? Why Rosemary Isn’t Enough and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Rosemary alone is not enough for most hair thinning, especially androgenic alopecia, though it may modestly support scalp health. There are several factors to consider and proven treatments, including confirming the cause, starting minoxidil and for men finasteride or sometimes dutasteride, with options like low level laser therapy, PRP, or transplant in select cases, plus key red flags and timing to act, all detailed below.
References:
* Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Taghizadeh F, Mardi P, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A. Comparison of rosemary oil and minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):15-21. PMID: 25842469.
* Gupta AK, Talukder M, Bamimore MA. Minoxidil: a comprehensive review of its use in hair loss. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Dec;33(8):1242-1250. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2022.2039989. Epub 2022 Feb 10. PMID: 35147986.
* Shin JW, Chung J, Kim S, Park K, Kim M. Finasteride and dutasteride: a review of their use in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2022 Nov;18(11):751-760. doi: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2100412. Epub 2022 Jul 12. PMID: 35832731.
* Vujovic A, Zivkovic P, Petrovic D, Gajic-Veljic M, Spalevic M. Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update. Biomedicines. 2021 Dec 29;10(1):66. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10010066. PMID: 35041400; PMCID: PMC8773950.
* Patel M, Kim K, Goren A, Kassir M, Lotti T, Grabbe S, Goldust M. Therapeutic approaches to hair loss: A comprehensive review. Dermatol Ther. 2023 Mar;36(2):e16104. doi: 10.1111/dth.16104. Epub 2023 Jan 26. PMID: 36814245.
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/