---
title: "Hair loss (male pattern): symptoms, causes & treatment"
description: "Male pattern hair loss is hormonal and genetic, affecting half of men by 50."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/hair-loss/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# Hair loss (male pattern): symptoms, causes & treatment

Male pattern hair loss is hormonal and genetic, affecting half of men by 50. Evidence-based treatments exist — they work best at keeping the hair you have, which is why starting earlier matters.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

## Symptoms

- Receding temples or thinning crown
- Widening parting
- More hair on the pillow or in the shower
- Family history of pattern baldness

## Why it happens

Follicles genetically sensitive to DHT (a testosterone by-product) progressively miniaturise. It’s not caused by hats, washing, or normal-range testosterone levels.

## Treatment

Two evidence-based approaches exist: topical treatment available over the counter, and prescription tablet treatment that lowers DHT — more effective for most men, and best discussed with a clinician. Combination use outperforms either alone. Judge any treatment at six months.

## Self-care that helps

Consistent photographs in the same lighting to track honestly; general health (sleep, stress, nutrition) supports hair but won’t override genetics; be sceptical of shampoos and most supplements.

## When to get help

Patchy loss, sudden shedding, scalp soreness or scarring suggest something other than pattern loss — get assessed, as some causes are reversible if treated early.

[See our hair loss (male pattern) support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/hair-loss/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[Hair loss treatment side effects: tablets, sprays and what to watch for — Side effects of oral and topical hair loss treatments, what is common, what is rare, and when to speak to a prescriber.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/hair-loss-treatment-side-effects/)

[Male hair loss: what works, what doesn't, and when to start — A plain-English guide to male pattern baldness — the evidence behind treatments, timelines, and the myths to ignore.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/male-hair-loss-guide/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Men's health — Zinc and selenium supplements](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/mens-zinc-complex/)

[Men's health — Saw palmetto supplements](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/saw-palmetto-prostate/)

[Men's health — Hair nutrient supplements](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-hair-nutrients/)