Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness (MPB) is responsible for the majority of hair loss in men. While serious diseases, reaction to certain medications, and extremely stressful events can trigger hair loss, (MPB) in men can be blamed on heredity.

What Causes (MPB) And Where Does It Appear?

Male pattern baldness sufferers inherit hair follicles with a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These DHT sensitive follicles begin to miniaturize, shortening the lifespan of each affected hair follicle.Eventually these affected follicles stop producing hair, which causes a receding hairline and thinning crown. It appears that the areas around the temples and mid-anterior scalp are the most sensitive to DHT. This pattern will eventually progress into baldness throughout the entire top of the scalp, leaving only a rim or "horseshoe" pattern of hair remaining in the more advanced stages of MPB. Some men may even lose the remaining rim of hair.

What Is Dihydrotestosterone?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a by-product of testosterone. Testosterone converts to DHT via the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, and is responsible for shrinking sensitive follicles over a prolonged period. It may take years to complete the miniaturization process. This process can be slowed or even stopped if caught early enough and if DHT is suppressed, hair follicles are unaffected.

Recently scientists have discovered six gene variants, all on the same chromosome, which are linked to male-pattern baldness. This knowledge may provide some new leads to researchers developing treatments.

For as long as men have been concerned with hair loss, they have tried all types of treatments to reverse or retard this condition. There are surgical treatments for hair restoration.

How Is A Hair Transplant Done?

There are a good supply of hair follicles found in most men, even those with advanced baldness. These hairs are concentrated in an area at the back and sides of the head. This region is known as the “donor area.” During the hair transplant procedure, physicians take excess hairs, along with the follicles, from this area and relocate them to areas of thinning and balding on the top or front of the head.

There are some prescription treatments, natural remedies and nutritional supplements that may help with hair regrowth and maintaining the hair you have as well.

1. Finasteride, known more commonly as Propecia, is taken daily in 1 mg doses lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, reducing hair loss for a majority of men and often promotes a measure of regrowth.

2. Minoxidil significantly retards hair loss in approximately 85% of users.

Both finasteride and minoxidil, commonly marketed as Rogaine, require a commitment. IF you stop either of these hair loss treatments, your progress vanishes and within months you'll lose whatever hair you managed to retain or grow back.

3. The most popular natural hair loss treatments is a proper diet. It is a well known fact that food with a high percentage of the nutrient silica can be used as a natural hair loss treatment. Try having more cucumbers, potatoes and peppers and strengthen your hair.

4. A complementary natural hair loss treatment to diet is massaging your scalp. It stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles.

5. Exercising is another natural hair loss treatment. It aids in resolving blood pressure and delivers blood and oxygen to all body parts including hair follicles.

6. Cleansing helps prevent diseases that cause hair loss and removes toxic substances from the scalp.

7. Saw palmetto is a natural hair loss treatment that has become popular with a growing public of men. It stops hair loss in many cases. This natural hair loss treatment comes in a capsule form and is made of seranoa repens.

8. The most recommended natural hair loss treatment is Revivogen. Revivogen Scalp Therapy works by decreasing the levels of DHT in the scalp. This allows the hair follicles to rejuvenate and produce thicker and stronger hair, creating a fuller and healthier head of hair. This natural hair loss treatment works by simply applying it at least once a day to the affected area of the scalp and the surrounding areas.