Learn how to manage male pattern baldness, and medically guided treatments that block DHT, regrow hair, and prevent further hair loss.
Key Takeaways
You’ve noticed it: male pattern baldness creeping in with thinning at your temples, a receding hairline, and extra strands in the shower drain.
It doesn’t happen overnight, but once it starts, it won’t stop unless you take action. Left untreated, hair follicles weaken over time until they can no longer produce hair at all.
The good news? You can take steps to slow hair loss and support scalp health. Doctor-prescribed treatments, such as finasteride and minoxidil, are popularly used to help reduce thinning and may support regrowth in some men.
In this guide, we’ll go through practical steps to help you address male pattern baldness early and support healthier hair over time.
Male pattern baldness is closely linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that comes from testosterone.
In men who are genetically sensitive to it, DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles and gradually causes them to shrink.1
This process is called hair miniaturization, and it makes each hair strand thinner, shorter, and weaker over time.
As follicles continue to shrink, their ability to produce healthy hair decreases, and some may eventually stop growing hair altogether.
This is why thinning often begins subtly, such as at the temples or crown, and worsens if left unaddressed. Understanding how DHT works is important because it explains why early action is essential.
Addressing DHT before significant follicle shrinkage occurs helps protect the hair you still have and slows the overall progression of male pattern baldness.
Medically guided treatments are often recommended for managing male pattern baldness, particularly in its early stages. Here’s a closer look at two commonly prescribed options, and how each supports hair health.
It is most effective when started early, as it protects active follicles before they become dormant. A medical assessment is important to determine if finasteride is suitable and to ensure proper guidance while using it.
It supports weakened follicles and can help improve hair density over time when used consistently. Minoxidil is often recommended as part of a long-term regimen, since results are maintained only with continued use.
Research also strongly suggests that combining finasteride and minoxidil may be more effective than using either alone, as this approach addresses hair loss through different mechanisms and supports overall scalp and hair health.4
Managing male pattern baldness effectively begins with proper medical evaluation. A licensed doctor can assess your hair loss and recommend treatments appropriate for your stage.
This guidance ensures you are following a plan that is safe, medically sound, and tailored to your needs rather than relying on guesswork or generic solutions.
Equally important is maintaining consistency once a treatment plan is in place. Stopping or skipping doses can lead to renewed thinning and loss of progress over time.
Regular check-ins with your doctor also help track results, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that your approach remains effective as your needs change.
With proper medical support and a long-term mindset, you can better manage male pattern baldness and protect your hair health for the future.
Dealing with male pattern baldness can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
GoRocky connects you with licensed doctors who can assess your hair concerns, provide expert guidance, and recommend a personalized plan that fits your needs, all from the comfort of your home.
With a fully online process, you can focus on getting the right care without clinic visits or long wait times. Our approach is designed to give you clear answers and ongoing support, so you can take control of your hair health with confidence.
Take action today by starting your online consultation!
Male pattern baldness occurs when DHT shrinks hair follicles, causing thinning and eventual hair loss.
While full regrowth isn’t guaranteed, androgenic alopecia treatment like Finasteride and Minoxidil may help slow hair loss, thicken existing hair, and sometimes restore growth where follicles are still active. Early and consistent treatment offers the best chance of maintaining hair density.
Yes, signs of balding at 20 or 25 are common and often linked to genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors, sometimes starting as early as the late teens.
If you notice thinning at the crown, progressing through receding hairline stages, or excessive shedding, early receding hairline treatment is key to preventing further progression.
Genetics plays a major role in male pattern baldness, but it’s not the only factor. The baldness gene can increase your risk, and some may even experience balding in teenage years, but DHT levels, lifestyle, and early intervention from licensed doctors also play a role.
It's important to determine between telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia; telogen effluvium causes temporary shedding from stress or health issues, while androgenetic alopecia is progressive and genetic.
At GoRocky, we believe taking care of your health should be simple, private, and judgment-free. We provide doctor-guided programs that help you address common men’s health concerns with expert support, so you can feel informed and confident about your next steps.
If you have questions about treatments, sexual wellness, or men’s health, our knowledgeable and friendly customer support team is here to help. Reach out anytime at support@gorocky.ph or call +63 966 952 8623.
*The information provided on this platform is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
[1] DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Cleveland Clinic. Updated December 20, 2022. Accessed February 20, 2025.
[2] The role of DHT in hair loss and how finasteride blocks it. DHI International. Published October 24, 2024. Accessed February 20, 2025.
[3] Messenger AG, Rundegren J. Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth. Br J Dermatol. 2004;150(2):186-194. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05785.x.
[4] Chen L, Zhang J, Wang L, Wang H, Chen B. The efficacy and safety of finasteride combined with topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2020;44(3):962-970. doi:10.1007/s00266-020-01621-5.