Stages of Male Pattern Baldness

What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a form of androgenic alopecia that accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. Sudden or unexpected hair loss can sometimes indicate a more serious health condition that may need medical attention. Other causes of hair loss include nutritional deficiencies, infections, and some psychological conditions.

Stages of Male Pattern Baldness

• Stage 1. No significant recession of the hairline or not enough evidence of hair loss.
• Stage 2. This is when the adult or mature hairline is visible along with a slight recession of the hairline around the temples.
• Stage 3. The first signs of clinically significant balding appear and there is a deeper recession at both temples. This stage is also known as the stage 3 vertex. The hairline stays at stage 2, but there is significant hair loss on the top of the scalp.
• Stage 4. The hairline recession is more severe, and there is sparse hair or no hair on the vertex.
• Stage 5. The two areas of hair loss are larger than in stage 4. They are still separated, but the band becomes narrower and sparser.
• Stage 6. The balding areas at the temples join with the balding area at the vertex. The band of hair across the top of the head is gone or sparse.
• Stage 7. In the most severe stage of hair loss, only a band of hair going around the sides of the head remains.

How is Male Pattern Baldness Diagnosed?

Typical male pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of hair loss. Your doctor may also perform a detailed assessment of your medical history, including questions about the prevalence of hair loss in your family.

Age When Men Start  to Lose Hair

Half of the men in the world experience hair loss by age 50. At least 25 percent of these men have experienced early symptoms of baldness during their younger years specifically at 25 years old. Fortunately, there are pharmaceutical, surgical and cosmetic treatments for baldness nowadays.

Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness

Finasteride is an effective treatment medication that is used for male pattern baldness. It slows down hair loss which is caused by a highly active form of testosterone that is linked to baldness.