Fighting Male Pattern Baldness
Androgenetic Alopecia also known as male pattern baldness is a genetic condition caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is present in the scalp of genetically predisposed men. DHT is known to attack hair follicles causing them to shrink and stop growing hair. Usually men with this condition lose their hair on top while retaining those on the side and back of their heads.
Male pattern baldness is prevalent and many men suffer from it. The hair has long been associated with virility and attractiveness in men so for most men, losing one’s hair can be traumatic most especially if it affects a young man. However, there are several ways of fighting male pattern baldness.
Since male pattern baldness is hereditary in nature, it cannot be cured. But this is not to say that men who suffer from this condition need to spend the rest of their days bald. There are natural, chemical as well as surgical solutions to this problem.
Natural Ways
If you seek natural ways of combating male pattern baldness, nature has given us many herbs to help us out. The berry of saw palmetto is rich in nutrients that fight DHT or the hormone that causes baldness contains high levels of phytosterols and fatty acids that help to block the action of 5-alpha reductase – the enzyme that causes the synthesis of DHT. This prevents DHT from attacking follicles.
Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also prevent hair loss. Zinc for example is good for treating baldness as it boosts one’s immune system. Essential fatty acids such as primrose oil, flaxseed oil and salmon oil help in improve your hair’s texture and preventing dry, brittle hair.
Surgical Ways and Alternatives
Other alternatives open to those who suffer from male pattern baldness include taking supplements and applying hair re-growth formula for men. Popular brands like Rogaine contain minoxidil which stimulate hair growth. It is a very popular over the counter remedy for baldness. It blocks DHT production causing the follicles to grow hair. The downside to using minoxidil is that hair growth stops once you stop using this product. This leads men to seeking other forms of alternative such as hair transplants.
Propecia Finasteride is a popular oral medication prescribed specifically for male pattern baldness. The chemicals in this medicine inhibit the action of the male sex hormones. Its active ingredient finasteride is said to prevent hair loss and encourages hair re-growth in up to 80% of cases.
Propecia treatment is designed specifically for men. It won’t work for women who suffer from female pattern baldness. It is also ineffective in men who suffer from hair loss due to chemo therapy or radiation therapy.
Hair transplant or flap surgery involves moving skin with follicles from one site and transplanting it onto the bald site. This form of surgery has varying degrees of success which differs from person to person. This form of treatment for male pattern baldness is also quite expensive and is usually not covered by health insurance.
