Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Male Pattern Baldness?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin, hair, and nails, usually treats male pattern baldness. A primary care doctor can also look at your hair loss first. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is also called androgenetic alopecia.
It does not indicate a medical disorder, but it may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety. The hair loss is usually permanent.
Symptoms
In men, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern.
- Hair loss begins above both temples.
- Over time, the hairline moves back and forms an "M" shape.
- Hair also thins at the top of the head, called the vertex or crown.
A U-shaped or horseshoe pattern of hair can be left around the sides of the head.
Causes and who gets it
Male pattern baldness is related to your genes and male sex hormones. Hair loss happens when the hair follicle shrinks over time. A follicle is the tiny hole in the skin that a hair grows from.
In men, this hair loss is related to hormones called androgens, especially one called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
The condition tends to cluster in families. Having a close relative with patterned hair loss appears to be a risk factor.
It can start as early as the teens, and the risk increases with age. More than 50 percent of men over age 50 have some degree of hair loss.
How doctors diagnose it
Classic male pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of the hair loss.
Hair loss may be due to other conditions. This may be true if hair loss occurs in patches, you shed a lot of hair, your hair breaks, or you have redness, scaling, pus, or pain with the hair loss.
A skin biopsy, blood tests, or other procedures may be needed to diagnose other disorders that cause hair loss.
Treatment
Treatment is not necessary if you are comfortable with your appearance. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or a change of hairstyle may disguise the hair loss. This is usually the least expensive and safest approach.
Medicines for male pattern baldness include:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine), a solution put on the scalp. It slows hair loss for many men, and some men grow new hair.
- Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), a pill that slows hair loss. It works slightly better than minoxidil.
- Dutasteride, which is similar to finasteride but may be more effective.
Hair loss returns when you stop using minoxidil or finasteride.
Finasteride is only for use in men. If you have taken it for 12 months with no improvement, further treatment probably will not help.
Finasteride may decrease fertility in men. It can also cause less sexual desire, ejaculation problems, and trouble getting or keeping an erection. It may raise the risk of high-grade prostate cancer or breast cancer.
Other treatments are still being investigated, such as platelet-rich plasma, a part of your own blood that is injected into the scalp.
A hair transplant moves tiny plugs of hair from areas where hair keeps growing to areas that are balding. It usually needs multiple sessions and may be expensive.
Sewing hairpieces to the scalp is not recommended. It can cause scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp. The FDA banned hair implants made of artificial fibers because of the high rate of infection.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if your hair loss is atypical, including rapid hair loss, widespread shedding, hair loss in patches, or hair breakage.
Also call if your hair loss comes with itching, skin irritation, redness, scaling, pain, or other symptoms. Call if it begins after you start a medicine, or if you want to treat your hair loss.
If you take finasteride, some side effects can be serious. Call your doctor right away if you notice them. These include changes in the breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. They also include a rash, itching, hives, or trouble swallowing. Another is new or worsening depression, or thoughts about harming or killing yourself. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. Call 911 for swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue or trouble breathing, which can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at your scalp, ask about your family history and medicines, and talk through treatment options. They can refer you to a dermatologist when needed.
Common questions
Is male pattern baldness a disease?
No, it does not indicate a medical disorder. It may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety.
Is male pattern baldness permanent?
Yes, the hair loss is usually permanent.
Do hair loss medicines work?
Yes, they help many men, but only while you use them. Minoxidil slows hair loss for many men, and some men grow new hair. Hair loss returns when you stop using the medicine.
Does male pattern baldness run in families?
Yes, it tends to cluster in families. Having a close relative with patterned hair loss appears to be a risk factor.
When does male pattern baldness start?
It can start as early as the teens. The risk increases with age.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Male pattern baldness
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Androgenetic alopecia
- MedlinePlus - Finasteride
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
