What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is primarily driven by a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent derivative of testosterone.
When DHT binds to receptors in genetically susceptible hair follicles, it triggers a process known as miniaturisation. Over successive growth cycles:
- The growth phase (anagen) becomes shorter
- The resting phase (telogen) becomes longer
- The follicle shrinks in size, producing thinner and shorter hairs
- Eventually, the follicle ceases producing visible hair altogether
Clinically Proven Treatments
There are two primary medications licensed in the UK with robust clinical trial evidence:
- Finasteride (Oral 1mg daily): A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, reducing serum and scalp DHT levels by approximately 60-70%. Clinical trials show that finasteride stops further hair loss in over 80% of men and stimulates regrowth in a significant proportion.
- Minoxidil (Topical solution or foam): A vasodilator and potassium channel opener that increases blood flow, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to miniaturised hair follicles, prolonging the anagen growth phase.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Starting treatment early before hair follicles become permanently dormant yields the best clinical outcomes. If you notice a receding hairline or thinning on the crown, an online medical consultation with our clinical team can evaluate your suitability for prescription treatments.