Male Pattern Hair Loss
(Androgenetic Alopecia)

Three Steps To Doing Something About Your Hair Loss

1. Get the right information
2. Evaluate the alternative
3. Make a decision!

Dating as far back as history will take us, baldness has been a part of the aging process that many men fear the most. Before Rogaine, hair transplants, and hair additions men coped in various ways from the magic ointments to the styling of their hair. Julius Caesar grew his hair long in the back and combed it all forward. Napoleon did the same thing somehow we often disregard history and the fact that this has been an age old condition. We cant imagine or accept the fact that there is not a cure.

Understanding the cause of male patterns hair loss may better indicate exactly why it presently has no cure.

Andregenetic Alopecia - The modern medical term for either male or female pattern hair loss - can be broken down in two parts.
First, Andregenetic consisting of ANDROGEN - any of the various hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine characteristics such as testosterone, and GENETIC - the inheritance of genes from either the mother or the fathers side of the family. Add age which when coupled with genetics represents a time clock that will signal the hair follicle to produce an enzyme name 5 alpha reductase. It produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicle receptors are sensitive to DHT and thereby start the process of male or female pattern hair loss.

Second, ALOPECIA meaning hair loss of which there are many types.

Put simply, scientists are working against aging hormones and genetics, This is no easy task. Add the fact that male or female pattern hair loss is not life threatening and it is easy to see why many physicians do not view hair loss as a priority in scientific research.

Although we may not see a cure in our lifetime, it is possible. Science is closer to understanding hair loss due to many recent advancements. To say the cure is around the corner would only be speculation but hope certainly is alive.

UNTIL THEN

First, since there are other causes of hair loss it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist who is competent and experienced with diagnosing hair loss. Confirming the type of hair loss you have will make it possible for you to know which treatment options may be best for you.

OTHER CAUSES

Alopecia Areata - Generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder, Causes "patchy" hair loss. Often in small circular areas in different areas of the scalp.
Alopecia Totalis - Total hair loss of the scalp. (An advanced form of alopecia areata).
Alopecia Universalis - Hair loss caused by physical stress and tension on the hair such as prolonged types of hair weaving, corn rows, ect. Done to tightly on weak hair these can cause permanent hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium - (usually temporary hair loss)
Causes: Physical stress - emotional stress - thyroid abnormalities - medications and hormonal causes normally associated with females.
Anagen Effluvium - Generally due to internally administered medications such as chemotherapy agents, that poisonthe growing hair follicle. All of these represent only a few of the different types of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia represents close to 95% of all hair loss however.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS

Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down productions of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes it energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three month delay between the actual event and he onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and the regrowth cycle can last 6 months of possibly even longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.

HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss many be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.