What Is the Real Cause of Hair Loss in Men : Understanding DHT, Male Pattern Baldness, and Treatment Options in Australia

Quick Answer: The main cause of male pattern baldness is not testosterone itself, but dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone that miniaturises scalp hair follicles in genetically sensitive men. While hair transplant surgery, medications, and supportive therapies can all help, success depends on proper diagnosis, doctor expertise, and long-term planning.

Why Hair Loss in Men Happens

Hair loss in men is often casually linked to testosterone. It is DHT that is responsible. Testosterone is vital for muscle mass, bone health, libido, and facial hair. When testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, it becomes DHT.

DHT is essential for male development during puberty, but in adulthood it binds to scalp follicles and causes them to shrink. Over time, this process called miniaturisation, produces thinner and shorter hairs until growth stops altogether. Men who are genetically sensitive to DHT may begin losing hair as early as their late teens.

What Is Male Pattern Baldness

Also called androgenetic alopecia, this is the most common type of hair loss in Australian men. It typically appears as:

• Receding temples
• Thinning at the crown
• Eventual merging of bald areas across the scalp

Three factors combine to drive it:

1. Genetics – inherited sensitivity to DHT
2. Hormones – the presence and activity of DHT
3. Age – the cumulative effect of exposure over time

According to global research, up to 70% of men will experience male pattern baldness at some stage in life.

Can DHT-Driven Hair Loss Be Treated

There is no permanent “cure,” but several clinical options are proven to slow progression or restore density.

Prescription Medications

• Finasteride  a tablet for men that reduces DHT. Many patients notice slower hair loss or visible regrowth. It requires ongoing use and medical monitoring.
• Minoxidil –available in topical and oral forms, it helps extend the growth cycle of hair follicles. Results vary but can be effective when used consistently.

Hair Transplant Surgery

For men seeking permanent density, surgery may be considered. FUE hair transplant surgery uses tiny punches to extract follicles, while FUT hair transplant surgery removes a strip of scalp. Both methods relocate donor follicles, usually from the back and sides of the scalp, which are more resistant to DHT.

Patients in Melbourne often compare best hair transplant Melbourne or hair transplant Melbourne cost, while Adelaide patients search for FUE hair transplant Adelaide or hair transplant Adelaide cost. Results depend on donor supply, surgical planning, and healing.

Non-Surgical Support Therapies

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): injections of growth factors from your own blood to stimulate follicles
• Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): light therapy that may support follicle activity
• Microneedling or topical boosters: sometimes combined with minoxidil to increase penetration

These therapies are often used alongside medication or surgery for stronger outcomes.

Recovery After Hair Transplant Surgery

Patients researching hair transplant surgery in Australia should know that recovery takes time. Typical milestones include:

• Week 1: swelling and scabbing in the treated areas
• Weeks 3 – 4: transplanted hairs shed, which is normal
• Months 3 – 4: new regrowth begins, initially fine in texture
• Months 9 – 12: most  final results are visible, with refinement up to 18 months

Healing depends on technique (FUE or FUT) and individual scalp condition.

Why Proper Diagnosis Is Essential

Not all hair loss is caused by DHT. Conditions such as thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency, autoimmune alopecia, or chronic stress can trigger shedding. This is why consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor is essential before starting treatment. Diagnosis may include scalp examination, medical history, and blood tests.

Long-Term Planning Matters

Because hair loss is progressive, long-term management is key. Even after a successful transplant, non-transplanted hair may continue to thin. Doctors should design conservative hairlines, preserve donor follicles, and recommend ongoing medical therapy when appropriate. Patients should view treatment as part of a broader plan, not a one-time cure.

FAQs

Q: Does testosterone itself cause baldness
A: No. Testosterone is not the direct cause. DHT, a byproduct of testosterone, triggers follicle miniaturisation in genetically sensitive men.

Q: Are hair transplants permanent
A: Transplanted follicles are usually permanent or long lasting, but native hair may continue to thin. Maintenance may be required.

Q: Is hair loss inevitable for men in Australia
A: No. While common, the timing and severity depend on genetics and other factors.

Q: What is the best treatment for male pattern baldness
A: It varies. Some men stabilise loss with finasteride or minoxidil, while others require surgery such as FUE or FUT.

Q: How much does a hair transplant cost in Melbourne or Adelaide
A: Costs vary by graft numbers, technique, and clinic expertise. A consultation provides an accurate estimate.

Why Men Choose Medihair

At Medihair, all assessments and procedures are managed by AHPRA-registered doctors. Our clinics in Melbourne and Adelaide specialise in FUE and FUT hair transplant surgery as well as medical therapies for early-stage loss. We provide clear, honest advice about DHT, donor management, and long-term planning to help men achieve natural results.

Book a Consultation

Medihair offers an obligation-free consultation, either online or in person.

To book, call 1300 355 325 or Click Here.

Disclaimer: All medical and surgical procedures carry risks. Recovery and results vary between individuals. This article provides educational information only and should not replace medical advice. Always seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before undergoing treatment. Images, if used, are for illustrative purposes only.