What causes male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that attacks hair follicles in genetically susceptible men. DHT binds to androgen receptors in scalp hair follicles, causing them to gradually shrink, produce thinner hair, and eventually stop growing altogether. Genetics determine both your sensitivity to DHT and the pattern of hair loss you experience, which is why male pattern baldness tends to run in families.

What is the best test for male pattern baldness?

The Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) LC/MS/MS test is the most important blood test for male pattern baldness because it measures the exact hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. This advanced laboratory test uses liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to precisely quantify DHT levels in your blood, helping you understand the hormonal component of your hair loss. While male pattern baldness is primarily diagnosed through visual examination and family history, knowing your DHT levels provides valuable insight into the biological mechanisms driving your hair loss and can inform treatment decisions with your healthcare provider.

When should I get tested for male pattern baldness?

You should get tested if you notice a receding hairline at your temples, thinning hair on the crown of your head, or if you have a family history of male pattern baldness and want to understand your hormonal profile. Testing is especially valuable if you are considering treatment options and want to establish a baseline DHT level, or if you are experiencing hair loss at a younger age and want to rule out other hormonal imbalances. Early testing can help you make informed decisions about hair loss treatments before significant thinning occurs.

What are the symptoms of male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness typically starts with a receding hairline that forms an M-shape, thinning hair on the crown or top of the head, and gradual hair loss that progresses over years or decades. You might notice more hair on your pillow or in the shower drain, or that your scalp becomes more visible through thinning hair. Unlike other forms of hair loss, male pattern baldness follows predictable patterns and does not cause inflammation, itching, or patchy bald spots.

Who is at risk for male pattern baldness?

Men with a family history of baldness on either their mother's or father's side are at highest risk for male pattern baldness, as genetics play the dominant role in this condition. Risk increases with age, with about 50% of men experiencing some degree of hair loss by age 50, though some men start losing hair in their late teens or early twenties. Men with higher levels of DHT or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT are also more likely to develop significant hair loss.

What happens if male pattern baldness is left untreated?

If left untreated, male pattern baldness typically progresses gradually over years, leading to more extensive hair loss across the scalp and eventually permanent baldness in affected areas. Once hair follicles have been dormant for several years, they may lose the ability to regrow hair even with treatment, making early intervention more effective. While male pattern baldness does not cause physical health problems, the progressive nature of the condition means that treatment options become more limited as more follicles are permanently lost.

Can male pattern baldness be diagnosed with a blood test?

Male pattern baldness is primarily diagnosed through visual examination of hair loss patterns and family history rather than blood tests alone. However, the DHT blood test can measure the hormone levels contributing to hair loss and help your healthcare provider understand the hormonal factors at play. Blood testing is particularly useful for ruling out other causes of hair loss, such as thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies, and for establishing a baseline before starting treatment.

How is male pattern baldness treated?

Male pattern baldness is treated with medications like finasteride, which blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, and minoxidil, a topical solution that stimulates hair growth. Hair transplant surgery can relocate hair follicles from areas resistant to DHT to thinning or balding areas for a more permanent solution. Low-level laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are newer treatment options that some men find helpful, though treatment effectiveness varies and works best when started early in the hair loss process.

How can I prevent male pattern baldness?

While you cannot completely prevent male pattern baldness if you have a genetic predisposition, early treatment with medications like finasteride or minoxidil can slow or stop further hair loss in many men. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, stress management, and avoiding harsh hair treatments can support overall hair health. Starting treatment at the first signs of thinning is the most effective approach to preserving as much hair as possible.

What natural remedies help with male pattern baldness?

Natural remedies like saw palmetto supplements may help block DHT conversion, though scientific evidence is limited compared to prescription medications. Scalp massage can improve blood circulation to hair follicles, and essential oils like rosemary oil have shown some promise in small studies for promoting hair growth. Ensuring adequate intake of biotin, zinc, and iron through diet or supplements supports healthy hair growth, though these remedies are most effective as complementary approaches alongside medical treatments rather than replacements.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Male Pattern Baldness Blood Test

What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is hereditary hair loss that causes a receding hairline and thinning crown in men. It is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a powerful hormone that binds to hair follicle receptors and causes them to shrink over time. The Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for understanding the hormonal factors driving male pattern baldness.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com