MEN'S HAIR LOSS

Male Pattern Hair Loss: Androgenetic Alopecia

This hereditary condition is common among Americans, affecting over 30 million men, starting as early as their teens and into adulthood. The abnormal gene can be passed down from a mother or father to sons or daughters. Men are much more likely to suffer from the gene's activity because theiy have more testosterone.

Typically, men lose hair in the front and back of the scalp, gradually extending to the middle. This pattern can start early in life, and when left untreated, the balding will be more extensive and severe. Treatment is most effective when initiated at an early stage.

The culprit for male pattern baldness is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone responsible for sexual development. DHT is produced as a result of a combination of testosterone and an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. In genetically predisposed people, DHT is attracted to hairs on the scalp (not the small hairs on arms or legs). It suffocates the hair by causing it to grow thinner until the follicle eventually shuts down. This process is very slow and takes many years, but the result is very apparent on the scalp.

In order to stop male pattern baldness, you must be able to inhibit the effects of DHT described above or usurp them by stimulating growth despite the effects of DHT.

There are many treatments available for hair loss. Nettle hair care products help to inhibit the effects of DHT.