Losing your hair can be alarming, and not all hair loss is the same. Two of the most common conditions people confuse are alopecia areata and male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). They look different, are caused by different mechanisms, and require different treatments. Getting the right diagnosis is the essential first step.
Pharmacy Planet provides treatment for male pattern hair loss, including Propecia (finasteride) through its online prescribing service.
Table of Contents
1. What Is Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)?
3. Key Differences at a Glance
4. How Is Male Pattern Baldness Treated?
4.1. Finasteride
4.2. Minoxidil
5. How Is Alopecia Areata Treated?
6.1. Can alopecia areata turn into male pattern baldness?
6.2. Is male pattern baldness reversible?
What Is Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)?
Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men, affecting around half of all men by age 50. It is caused by a combination of genetic factors and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which causes hair follicles to shrink progressively until dormant. It typically begins with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown.
For a broader understanding of the progression, read our blog on how to overcome male pattern baldness and the different stages of hair loss.
What Is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden patchy hair loss. Unlike male pattern baldness's gradual, predictable thinning, alopecia areata causes round or oval bald patches that can appear anywhere on the scalp or body. In most cases the follicles are not permanently destroyed, meaning hair can regrow.
More severe forms include alopecia totalis (total scalp hair loss) and alopecia universalis (total body hair loss). Read our blog on alopecia, its causes, and symptoms for a full overview.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Pattern: Male pattern baldness causes gradual, predictable thinning. Alopecia areata causes sudden patchy loss anywhere on the scalp.
- Cause: Male pattern baldness is driven by genetics and DHT. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune response.
- Regrowth potential: In male pattern baldness, dormant follicles are harder to reactivate. In alopecia areata, follicles are usually intact and regrowth is possible.
- Associated conditions: Alopecia areata is more common in people with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease or vitiligo.
How Is Male Pattern Baldness Treated?
Finasteride
Finasteride is the most effective oral treatment for male pattern baldness. It inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Clinical trials show it stopped hair loss in the majority of men and produced visible regrowth in around two thirds. It is prescription-only and available through Pharmacy Planet at pharmacyplanet.com/propecia-finasteride-for-hair-loss.html. Read more about finasteride as a solution for hair loss and the timeline of hair regrowth with finasteride.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical solution that stimulates blood flow to follicles and prolongs the hair growth cycle. It is available over the counter and can be used alongside finasteride. Read our blog on oral minoxidil vs topical minoxidil to understand which form may suit you, and on combining minoxidil with other hair loss treatments safely.
How Is Alopecia Areata Treated?
- Corticosteroid injections: Directly into bald patches to suppress the local immune response and stimulate regrowth.
- Topical corticosteroids: Creams or solutions applied to bald patches.
- JAK inhibitors: Newer medications including baricitinib and ritlecitinib showing significant promise for moderate to severe alopecia areata.
For full guidance on treatment options, read our detailed blog on alopecia, causes, and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can alopecia areata turn into male pattern baldness?
No. They are separate conditions with different causes. However, a person can have both simultaneously.
Is male pattern baldness reversible?
Hair loss cannot be fully reversed, but medications like finasteride can halt progression and may produce partial regrowth. Starting treatment earlier produces better results. Begin a consultation at pharmacyplanet.com/start-consultation.html.
Does stress cause both types of hair loss?
Stress can trigger or worsen alopecia areata and can also cause a temporary condition called telogen effluvium. Stress does not cause male pattern baldness, though it may accelerate it in genetically susceptible individuals.
Can women get male pattern baldness?
Women can experience androgenetic alopecia, typically presenting as diffuse thinning across the crown. Read our blog on HRT as a hair loss treatment for female hair loss options.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All prescription medicines require a valid prescription following appropriate clinical assessment.
