How to Treat Baldness

Emma Howard: Hello! I am Emma Howard and I am joined by Dr. Jonty Heaversedge. He is an expert on men's health problems. Hello Jonty! Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Hi Emma! Emma Howard: Got a question from a 23-year-old who is already losing his hair. He says, what could be causing this and what treatments are available? He has obviously a bit worried. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Yeah, absolutely, and at 23 I think it must be hard. I mean, we know that male pattern hair loss which is where you get generalize thinning of the hair and receding of the hair, where you will see a lot of hair in the bath when you have been washing your hair and so on. That is really genetically inherited from your parents. So there is not a huge amount that you can deal about it. Emma Howard: Usually, it is a bit later, isn't it? Sort of around 30, you might say it going there, the sides a little bit more. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Exactly. Emma Howard: So, 23, quite young for that to happen? Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Quite young for that to happen, but still perfectly possible. I think if people are losing patches of hair then that's more likely conditional that we call alopecia. And then there are specific treatments that your doctor maybe able to suggest to you. But with this sort of generalize thinning, it sounds like male pattern hair loss. And from that point of view again, there are treatments that are maybe worth trying. You can buy a chemical minoxidil, which you can get over the counter from pharmacist, and that helps some men. The problem being that when you stop using it actually, the problem returns. So it's a kind of lifelong commitment. There is another medication called finasteride, that can be prescribed. Now that helps, probably about 80% of men would report that their hair is thicker and stronger after using it. But that affects hormones. And the issue is that then it's going to be side-effect. So men on finasteride can't get a decreased libido and also develop what's called gynecomastia which is breast tissue under their nipples. So for a lot of men, no side-effects just aren't worth it. Emma Howard: So they are cancelling out what you are trying to achieve. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Exactly, what you are trying to achieve. And I really wonder whether it's worth it. Emma Howard: Well, there are lot's of sexy bald men around and women like men who are kind of declaring what's going on in their head, that calm overlook is just -- so doesn't work for so many people. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Shave it off. I mean I think that's the answer, isn't it really? I think in the past there were much more or many more sort of negative connotations around hair loss. I think it's very accepted now and as you say it's actually quite a good look. Emma Howard: Yes, very, very popular in the last few years. And if he is worried about what women will think, and well women do like that look. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: They do like that look. And if he is concerned, I mean again talk to the doctor, there are few conditions like thyroid problems and iron deficiency that can cause problems with hair growth. But realistically, I think in his case it's unlikely. Emma Howard: Jonty, good advice. Thank you. And if you have a similar problem we hope we might have given you some help, but remember it's always best to go and see your own doctor for medical advice. Thanks for watching. We'll be back with more health questions and answers.