Male pattern baldness is the medical condition where men start losing hair from the scalp, resulting in baldness. This hair loss condition affects men in their later years. Most of the men who are over 50 years old would lose their hair, which could be emotionally and psychologically distressing. The common reason for the loss of hair would be the change of hormone level in the body of the person.

Other reasons related to hair loss might include some major ailments, which would need immediate medical attention. With the advancement of medical technology, treatment for hair loss has become possible. People can either select medication, transplantation or some other kind of treatment procedures to treat this medical condition. Here are some of the procedures that would be effective for addressing male pattern baldness.

1. Hair transplantation

Hair transplantation is the process, which includes the replanting of hair taken from active growth areas to the bald areas of the scalp. Selected hair follicles which are taken from the lower backside of the scalp are more resistant to androgen and any other male hormones. These hormone-resistant hair strands are then transplanted into the bald areas of the scalp.

This medical treatment is the most expensive and invasive way of treating male pattern baldness. This surgery needs to be done several times to show some effective results and often carries the risk of infection and scarring on the skin.

2. Finasteride

Finasteride is one of the two medications approved by the board of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hair loss. This medication is a 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor whose main function is to block the male hormone that is responsible for hair loss. Due to the presence of active inhibitors, the success rate for medication is much higher than other medications.

It might take more than six months for the medication to show its effects regarding hair loss. The person would have to take 1 mg tablet every day for at least three months to achieve some effective results. There might be some side effects such as skin rashes, headache or abdominal pain that might happen while taking these medications. In such cases, you must immediately stop taking the medication and consult your doctor for further medical checkup.

3. Minoxidil

Minoxidil is another topical medication that is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of male pattern baldness. This over the counter medication is applied on the scalp could be found in the form of either foam or lotion. This medication is more effective when it is applied to the crown of your head as it stimulates the hair follicles for the growth of new hair. The effects of Minoxidil takes at least one year to be seen. The hair growth process is slow.

With the mentioned the treatment and medication options, male pattern baldness can be treated. Before you choose any of the above mentioned treatment or medications, you must consult a trichologist. If any kind of side effects show up during the consumption period of these medications then you must consult your doctor immediately.