Coping with male pattern baldness.

Written by Richard Mitchell


Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is by farrepparttar most common cause of hair loss amongst men and a serious problem for many women. For it to develop, three important components must come into play:

1. A genetic predisposition for balding to occur.

2. The presence of male hormones.

3. Aging - enough time forrepparttar 114935 first two factors to occur.

Despiterepparttar 114936 common perception, familial baldness patterns are not completely reliable as predictors of future hair loss. The fact that your parent or grandparent exhibited a given pattern does not guarantee your hair loss development will berepparttar 114937 same. However, if your father was completely bald and you begin to lose hair excessively at an early age, it's safe to assume you will develop extensive balding.

All normal men and women produce male hormones such as testosterone and DHT. These hormones have a useful role to play in both sexes but it isrepparttar 114938 fact that androgens occur in much higher concentrations in men that explains why this type of hair loss is more common in males.

The effect of these hormones on hair follicles is as follows:

1. High levels of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase occur in cells ofrepparttar 114939 hair follicle.

2. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT.

3. DHT causesrepparttar 114940 robust terminal hairs to miniaturize.

Non-approved drugs that can help treat hair loss.

Written by Richard Mitchell


At present only two medications have been approved byrepparttar FDA forrepparttar 114934 treatment of hair loss, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). While both of these continue to prove their worth to many patients, some individuals are disappointed with their results and seek other forms of treatment. Often they turn to drugs that have not been approved forrepparttar 114935 treatment of hair loss, but which have shown themselves over time to have a positive effect in dealing with this condition.

1. Avodart (dutasteride) - this is a new medication that is not yet approved for hair loss but which offers exciting possibilities for treating male patten baldness. It works in a similar way to Propecia which prevents one of two enzymes from converting testosterone into DHT thus blocking two thirds of DHT production. Avodart takes this process a stage further by blocking both enzymes thus reducing overall DHT production by 93%. It is currently approved forrepparttar 114936 treatment of enlarged prostates and should not under any circumstances be taken by women of child bearing age.

2. Proscar (finasteride) - Propecia has become a valued weapon

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