Balding, in most cases, cannot be prevented, but some medications can slow down the speed with which the process takes place. Prior to any treatment, doctors check a patient’s medical history and overall health condition. They will also check for any infection, bruise or rash in the scalp, or changes in the scalp before starting the procedure. They might also ask for a skin biopsy to understand the cause and rule out conditions like anemia. Only when they are satisfied that the symptoms point to male pattern baldness will they begin treatment.

It is crucial to understand that one should not opt for these medications by themselves as it can have adverse effects.

The most common treatment options for the symptoms of male pattern baldness are as follows:

Medication

The goal of medication is to stop hair loss and try to rejuvenate the hair follicles and help fresh hair to grow. The only two medications which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used to treat male pattern baldness are:

• Finasteride: This is available in a tablet form and prevents testosterone from converting into DHT. Patients prescribed this medicine have to be patient as it can take about four months for new hair to start showing on the scalp. They will be able to see fresh growth in the back of the hair rather than in the front of the head. Since the medication has to be taken for a long time, it has to be taken only under the guidance and prescription of a doctor. The tablet must be kept out of reach of women and children, especially pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects in the baby. As for other side effects, some men may feel a loss of libido and face erectile problems. Higher doses can also increase the risk of prostate cancer. Since the dosage for hair loss is very low, never take more dosage than prescribed by the doctor.
• Minoxidil: This option is a hair lotion that has to be directly rubbed into the scalp and can delay balding. The lotion has to be rubbed into the scalp twice a day for at least four months before individuals can see new growth of hair. It can be applied even after fresh hair begins to appear as the strands are likely to fall once the medication is stopped. Minoxidil is mostly safe and has rare side effects, including, but not limited to acne, facial hair growth, and chest pain. Those who experience irritation or rashes should can the doctor for suitable alternatives. Also, if you have any skin rash, or cuts or wound in your scalp, avoid using this lotion.

In most cases, medications for the condition are effective only up till continued usage. Once that is stopped, individuals start to experience hair fall again. For this reason, many have started looking into other treatment methods for the symptoms of male pattern baldness.