Hair Loss in Men
Welcome to Qoctor’s online doctor service which can provide assessment for Hair Loss in men. Answer some online questions, then book a video consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor. Repeats available (subject to assessment).
The consultation fee is $29.99- no need for expensive ongoing subscriptions. If a prescription is advised, it can be sent as an eScript to your phone OR electronically to your local pharmacy. Alternatively you can have medication delivered by an Australian partner pharmacy- in this case, the cost of medication is added at the checkout. All treatment and advice is issued subject to your doctor’s assessment.
About Hair Loss
All men will experience thinning hair during their lives (thought to be caused by increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone). Whilst many are not concerned by it, and have no wish to take any action, others may wish to consider hair loss treatment.
FAQs about hair loss and hair loss treatment
The scalp skin normally changes testosterone to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone. In balding men it seems that the hair follicles become too sensitive to dihydrotestosterone and react by shrinking over time. Normally a single hair should last around 3 years, but as hair follicles shrink, the hairs become thinner and shed more often, until they get so short and thin that they no longer grow out through the skin.
At first, the hair recedes or thins around the temples, while also becoming thinner on the top of the head. These areas of hair loss get bigger and join up, leaving a patch of hair at the front of the head, which over time also becomes thinner. Often a narrow band of hair will be left around the back and sides of the head, though this too can be lost, leading to complete baldness.
The length of time it takes to go bald varies widely between men- from just a few years to more than twenty years.
Other conditions can cause hair loss, though in a different pattern to male pattern hair loss. If you think your hair loss is very rapid, unusual, or not in the expected pattern, you should see your doctor. Patchy hair loss can be caused by ring worm, which is a fungal infection. The autoimmune condition Alopecia Areata can cause distinct patches of baldness, and sometimes complete hair loss. General thinning of the hair can be caused by an underactive thyroid gland, low iron, lupus, or a side effect of various medications.
Many men are not concerned by their hair loss, and have no wish to take any action, whilst others may prefer to seek advice and treatment- options include topical lotions, prescription medications, and surgical intervention (hair transplant).
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Health Library- Male Pattern Baldness
All men will experience thinning hair over time. Male pattern baldness is thought to be caused by increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone- the hair follicles gets smaller over time, causing the hair to become thinner and fall out more easily- it usually starts around the temples and top of the head, and may spread to other areas.
If hair loss is unusual in pattern, appears patchy or occurs very rapidly, it’s wise to speak to a doctor to ensure their are no underlying causes. The following articles explore the issue of thinning hair and hair loss treatment in more detail.
