Male Hair Loss (Alopecia): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

🩺 Male Hair Loss (Alopecia): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Male hair loss is extremely common and, in most cases, it is due to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It usually progresses slowly over several years, so starting treatment early can help slow down or stabilise the process.

If you are worried about hair loss and want a medical opinion from Spain, you can book a secure online consultation with UrgentDoc and speak to a doctor from home.

🔹 What Is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a genetic and hormone-related type of hair loss that affects the hair follicles on the scalp. Over time, these follicles become smaller and produce thinner and weaker hairs until they eventually stop producing hair altogether.

In men, this typically starts with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning on the crown. As the condition progresses, these areas can join together, creating more extensive bald patches.

🔹 Why Does Male Pattern Baldness Happen?

Male pattern hair loss is linked to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which comes from testosterone. In men with a genetic predisposition, hair follicles are more sensitive to DHT, so they gradually miniaturise and produce weaker hair.

This process is slow and progressive, which is why early assessment and treatment can make a big difference in preserving existing hair.

🔹 Common Symptoms of Male Hair Loss

Typical early signs of male pattern hair loss include:

• Gradually receding hairline, especially at the temples
• Thinning hair on the crown that becomes more visible in bright light or in photos
• More hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower or in your hairbrush
• Feeling that your hair has lost volume or is harder to style than before

Not all hair loss in men is due to male pattern baldness. Stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems and certain medications can also cause temporary or diffuse hair shedding. This is why a proper medical assessment is important before starting any treatment.

🔹 When Hair Loss Might Be Something Else

You should be especially cautious and seek medical advice if:

• Hair loss starts suddenly or in patches
• You notice redness, pain, itching or flaking on the scalp
• You have other symptoms such as tiredness, weight changes or fever

In these cases, a doctor needs to rule out other medical problems before focusing only on male pattern baldness.

🔹 Emotional Impact of Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss can be much more than a cosmetic concern. Many men report:

• Reduced self-confidence or feeling that they "look older" than they are
• Avoiding photos or social situations because of their hair
• Constantly checking the mirror or comparing their hair with others

Talking about the problem and getting professional advice can be very helpful. Understanding what is happening and knowing that there are treatment options often reduces anxiety and helps you regain a sense of control.

💬 If your hair loss is affecting your confidence or daily life, consider booking an online appointment with an UrgentDoc doctor to discuss your concerns in a safe and confidential way.

🔹 Medical Treatment Options for Male Hair Loss

The best treatment plan depends on the type and stage of hair loss, your age, your overall health and your personal goals. A doctor can help you decide which options are most suitable and safe in your case.

1. Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are products applied directly to the scalp in the areas of thinning. They often work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle and helping to prolong the growth phase of the hair.

They usually need to be used consistently (every day for months) to see results, and they must be continued to maintain the benefit. Your doctor can explain how to apply them correctly and what to expect.

2. Oral Medications

Some prescription medications for male hair loss work by blocking or reducing the effect of certain male hormones on the hair follicle. This can slow or stop miniaturisation and help preserve existing hair.

These medicines are not suitable for everyone and can have possible side effects, so they should only be started after a medical consultation and regular follow-up. Never start oral hair loss medication without medical supervision.

💬 If you live in or are currently in Spain, an UrgentDoc online doctor may be able to prescribe appropriate treatment when it is clinically indicated and safe.

3. Local Stimulation Therapies

In some cases, doctors may recommend specialist procedures designed to stimulate the scalp and hair follicles. These can include techniques such as mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma or low-level laser therapy.

These treatments are usually combined with medical therapy and are tailored to each patient's situation. They aim to improve hair quality and density rather than cure the underlying genetic tendency.

4. Hair Transplant Surgery

For advanced hair loss, when there are areas with very few active follicles, hair transplant surgery can be an option. In a hair transplant, hairs from a permanent donor area (usually the back of the scalp) are moved to balding or thinning zones.

A hair transplant does not stop ongoing male pattern baldness, so most patients still need medical treatment to protect the non-transplanted hair. A specialist will assess whether you are a good candidate and when is the right time to consider surgery.

🔹 When Should You See a Doctor About Hair Loss?

You should consider speaking to a doctor if:

• You notice ongoing hair loss or thinning for more than 3–6 months
• You have a strong family history of baldness and are worried about your own risk
• Your hair loss is affecting your self-esteem, social life or mental wellbeing
• You are unsure whether your hair loss is "normal" or related to another medical condition

A medical assessment can help confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes of hair loss and discuss the safest and most effective treatment options for you.

🔹 How UrgentDoc Can Help

If you are in Spain or visiting the country and are concerned about male hair loss, an online doctor consultation with UrgentDoc can be a convenient first step. Through a secure video visit, a doctor can:

• Take a detailed history of your hair loss and general health
• Examine your scalp via video and, if needed, request further tests
• Discuss whether you are a candidate for medical treatment
• Prescribe appropriate medication, when clinically indicated and safe according to Spanish regulations
• Arrange follow-up to monitor your progress and adjust treatment

If you are noticing thinning hair or a receding hairline and you are not sure what to do next, do not wait until the problem becomes more advanced. Early evaluation is key.

👉 Book an online appointment with an UrgentDoc doctor today to discuss your hair loss, explore treatment options and get a personalised plan from wherever you are in Spain.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is male pattern baldness reversible?

Male pattern baldness cannot be fully reversed, but early treatment can slow down or stabilise the process and, in some cases, promote regrowth of miniaturised hairs. The sooner you start, the better the results.

How long do hair loss treatments take to work?

Most treatments require 3–6 months of consistent use before visible results appear. Patience and adherence to the treatment plan are essential for success.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Yes, significant stress can trigger a type of temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. However, this is different from male pattern baldness and usually resolves once the stressor is addressed.