In men, what shape does male pattern baldness typically take?

In men, male pattern baldness typically manifests as a horse-shoe shaped fringe. This pattern is characterized by a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown of the head, leaving a band of hair around the sides and back, resembling a horseshoe. This distinctive shape is a result of genetic factors and hormonal influences, specifically the sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to progressive hair loss in these areas.

Other choices like circle, oval, or patchy are not representative of the general progression of male pattern baldness. Circle and oval shapes would suggest a more uniform loss of hair without specific areas of thinning, while patchy would imply non-patterned loss, which is not typical in this situation. Understanding these characteristics helps professionals identify and discuss hair loss patterns effectively within their practice.