Hair Loss in Men - Causes and Treatment in Algonquin, IL

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. This genetic condition makes certain hair follicles sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT causes affected follicles to progressively shrink, producing thinner hairs until growth stops. Other contributing factors include chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, and certain medications. A thorough evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist can identify which factors are contributing to your specific hair loss pattern.

Male pattern baldness can begin as early as the late teens, though it is more commonly noticed in the mid-20s to early 30s. Approximately 25% of men who experience androgenetic alopecia begin seeing signs before age 21. By age 35, about two-thirds of men have some degree of appreciable hair loss, and by age 50, roughly 85% of men have significantly thinner hair. The earlier hair loss begins, the more extensive it tends to become without treatment -- which is why early intervention with therapies like finasteride or PRP can be particularly effective.

Male pattern baldness cannot be fully reversed in the traditional sense, but it can be effectively treated and, in many cases, significantly improved. Medical therapies like finasteride block DHT production and can halt further loss and stimulate partial regrowth. PRP therapy uses your own platelet-rich plasma to reactivate dormant follicles. For areas where follicles have been permanently lost, hair transplant surgery -- particularly with ARTAS robotic precision -- can restore natural hair growth using donor follicles from the back and sides of the scalp. The key is starting treatment before follicles are irreversibly miniaturized.

The best treatment depends on your stage of hair loss, its underlying cause, and your personal goals. For early-stage thinning (Norwood II-III), finasteride combined with PRP therapy often produces excellent results. For moderate to advanced loss (Norwood IV-VII), hair transplant surgery provides the most dramatic and permanent improvement. Many patients at DSI Hair benefit from a combination approach -- surgical restoration supplemented with ongoing medical maintenance to protect existing hair. Dr. Khanna and Dr. Boshnick develop individualized plans after a comprehensive scalp evaluation and health history review.

Yes, heredity is the primary factor in male pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia is a polygenic condition, meaning multiple genes from both your mother's and father's sides contribute to your susceptibility. While the androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome (inherited from your mother) plays a significant role, paternal genes are also important. Having a bald father or maternal grandfather increases your risk substantially, but hair loss can skip generations. Genetic predisposition determines which follicles are sensitive to DHT and how aggressively miniaturization progresses.

The Norwood scale (formally the Hamilton-Norwood scale) is the standard classification system dermatologists use to measure the extent of male pattern baldness. It identifies seven stages: Stage I shows no significant loss; Stage II shows minor recession at the temples; Stage III marks the clinical threshold for baldness with deeper temporal recession; Stage IV shows significant frontal and vertex loss; Stages V-VII represent progressively extensive baldness. At DSI Hair, Dr. Khanna uses the Norwood scale during consultations to accurately assess your current stage and recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether medical therapy, surgical restoration, or a combination approach.