Symptoms of Androgenic Alopecia


Male pattern baldness follows a specific pattern of hair loss. Initially hair may thin around the crown and form an M-shaped pattern. As the condition progresses, a U-shape is created with a bald patch in the center of the scalp surrounded by a ring of hair around the back and sides. In some cases it may also lead to complete baldness. Symptoms such as burning, itching and scaly skin usually indicate another skin disease and are rarely symptoms of male pattern baldness.

While male pattern baldness is not a serious condition and does not require medical attention, it can have an impact on a person's self esteem and confidence. Keeping this in mind, there are ways to disguise or treat the condition which may help improve a person’s appearance.

The most common methods of treating male pattern baldness include the use of medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride. These help block certain hormones that cause hair loss and also stimulate hair growth. However, once this type of treatment is stopped, the condition progresses on its inevitable course. A more permanent solution of this type of baldness is hair transplants. If this seems too invasive, investing in a good wig or hairpiece is a simpler option.

While androgenic alopecia is most common in men, it is not unusual to find the same pattern of hair loss in women as well. Female pattern baldness is also associated with genetics, hormones and aging. Androgenetic alopecia in women also follows a pattern of thinning of hair at the crown and a receding hairline but rarely ends in complete baldness as seen in men. Minoxidil or hair transplants are the best treatment methods for female pattern baldness. 
References
  1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001177.htm
  2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002156/