Male Pattern Baldness: Signs, Causes, and Treatments

Common Signs of Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness usually starts at the hairline. Over time, the hairline recedes and forms an “M” shape, says Penn Medicine. For some men, the hairline will continue receding until all or most of their hair is gone.

Another sign of male pattern baldness is hair loss on the crown of the head. It’s common for this circular area to thin and expand in size over time. “Eventually the hair becomes finer, shorter, and thinner, and creates a U-shaped (or horseshoe) pattern of hair around the sides of the head and a bald area on the back of the head,” explains the source.

Are There Any Risks?

Hair loss isn’t usually a cause for concern, however, it can be linked to some medical conditions. In some cases, male pattern baldness can be associated with other medical problems such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, prostate cancer, and diabetes, says WebMD.

It’s important to keep track of how much hair you’re losing to identify any patterns that aren’t frecuente. To rule out any serious conditions, contact your doctor.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice sudden hair loss or that you’re losing more than usual when washing your hair, then it’s time to see a doctor. Other signs that warrant a doctor’s visit include hair loss that develops in an atypical pattern, widespread shedding, hair loss in patches, or excessive hair breakage.

Skin irritation, itchiness, scaling, or pain along with hair loss is also a cause for concern. Finally, if you start losing hair after starting a new medication then you should also book an appointment to see your doctor to find out if this is a frecuente side effect.