Androgenetic Alopecia is a form of hair loss that is common among men, but can also occur in women.
It is often referred to as male pattern baldness.
The hair loss occurs in a well defined pattern that begins above the temples and thins the hair at the crown.
What is left is a rim of hair around the back and sides of the head.
Other times, the condition progresses until the affected is completely bald.
Androgenetic Alopecia occurs slightly different in women.
While the hair becomes thinner, it does not typically recede.
Also, women rarely experience total baldness.
Many contributing environmental and genetic factors can cause Androgenetic Alopecia.
While research has not yet pinpointed one all encompassing cause, the condition has been linked to hormones called androgens, more specifically, an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
A little-understood genetic factor can be inherited from either the mother or the father that can become active at any age, but tends to become more active after the age of 20.
When it comes out of its dormant state, it causes the excessive production of a particular enzyme.
This enzyme combines with testosterone to produce a testosterone byproduct called DHT.
Prolonged exposure to DHT causes hair follicles to shrink and weaken.
Over time, the hair becomes finer and eventually stops growing.
It is estimated that about 50% of men will experience Androgenetic Alopecia in their lives, and about 10% of women.
The most commonly affected are those that have inherited the gene that alters the androgen receptor.
Just as hair color and texture are passed down from parents to their children, the susceptibility of Androgenetic Alopecia is also an inherited trait.
Other causes of this type of hair loss are rare and not of concern for the typical man.
These include the improper use of steroids, hormone therapy medications, and exposure to radiation.
While Androgenetic Alopecia in and of itself does not cause any known health problems, it can play a serious psychological role for those who experience it.
Today's society is extremely focused on physical appearances.
Studies have shown that men with noticeable hair loss suffer from lower self esteem and decreased confidence.
Extreme cases can even result in depression and seclusion from the beauty driven society.
The effects of Androgenetic Alopecia can be reversed safely, and without risky surgical treatments.
Many natural methods have worked for those affected.
Some swear by rubbing olive oil on the patches of thinning hair.
Others create a tea-like solution of mustard seeds and rosemary to spray on their hair daily.
However, these natural remedies have not been scientifically tested like their proven manufactured counterparts.
The FDA has approved just two drugs for advertising their effects on androgenetic alopecia in men.
The first of these drugs is Minoxidil, which is available without a prescription.
This is a topical cream that lengthens the duration of the anagen phase and increases the supply of blood to the hair follicle.
While the benefits are not noticed for several months, the results are natural and safe for both genders.
The second is a prescription medication called Finasteride.
Unlike Minoxidil, it is an oral drug that can only be used by males.
It has been proven to cease the progress of Androgenetic Alopecia and stimulate the growth of natural hair.
There are many other products on the market that are natural, safe, and cost effective.
Prescription solutions are often accompanied by health complications and an inflated price tag, and surgical procedures often produce unnatural results.
To stop Androgenetic Alopecia in its tracks and enhance the quality of life, consider natural, non-prescription medications, such as Procerin.
For more information about how androgenetic alopecia can affect men's hair, visit www.
androgeneticalopecia.
org.