Male Hair Loss: Getting the Facts Straight

We don't have to deny it. It's natural to be concerned about whether or not we will eventually lose our hair like some of the people we know. You may even already be showing some signs of male hair loss. Don't panic, your condition is probably normal and non-life threatening but you don't necessarily have to live with it.

Male Pattern Baldness

There are many kinds of hair loss conditions but it has been discovered that around 95% of hair loss conditions are categorized under androgenetic alopecia. We often think that male hair loss begins when a man reaches adulthood. It is possible however for some to begin having the condition during the teen years. The first sign of thinning and male hair loss is often observed in the temple areas. In time though, true male hair loss may eventually result in complete bald areas typically on the crown or top of the head.

Cause

Androgenetic comes from the two terms "andro" for hormones and "genetic" for genes. This means that most male hair loss cases can be inherited hormone initiated conditions. Men who suffer from hair loss actually inherit a certain sensitivity to the hormonal reactions that lead to male hair loss.

When the male hormone testosterone comes into contact with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, the pattern of hair loss begins. Testosterone is then converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is DHT that gets into hair follicles and binds with receptors. It will then begin to hamper the function of hair follicles, causing them to shrink and preventing them from producing new healthy hair strands.

Common Treatments

The most effective kinds of treatment for male hair loss so far are surgical procedures. A surgeon may have to move some hair strands from a well covered area to the bald spot. Other procedures include reducing the bald scalp area or increasing the area of the scalp which still has hair. Depending on the kind of surgery you may have to undergo, your doctor may have to look into your suitability as a surgery candidate. Factors that may affect your suitability for male hair loss surgery include your age, type of hair and hair color.

Another option would be to take medications. A popular kind of medication blocks DHT or 5-alpha reductase. As some users would point out though, some medications may produce side effects and hair growth may not be so quick. The quality of hair growth is also not always as desired.

Alternative Treatment

The third alternative would be to take supplements. Men can now take natural, herbal supplements to promote hair growth. Natural products are a good choice if you do not want to spend too much on surgery or if you do not want to experience the side effects of medication. A lot of these natural products also function as DHT and enzyme blockers, thus effectively reducing male hair loss. Natural ingredients such as saw palmetto have been known as effective blockers. Another plus factor to natural supplementation is that you also get a lot of nourishment for your scalp and hair.

There is always hope for people suffering from male hair loss. It's just a matter of looking for the right product.