Male Pattern Baldness Can Be Treated

December 26th, 2009 Posted in Skin & Beauty

Hair loss is an unavoidable fact for many American men. From the late teens and early twenties on, hair follicles in the scalp gradually lose the ability to replace the 50-100 hairs lost every day. Generally, this first becomes noticeable near the temples and the crown of the head.

Male pattern baldness is caused when the 5-alpha reductase enzyme converts testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In this form, it collects in the hair follicle blocking proteins from being transformed into new hair. This process begins a sharp increase during puberty as the his body begins to produce testosterone in excess while growing.

The primary function of most treatments is to inhibit DHT from forming and collecting in the follicles. The popular product, minoxidil, works on this basis. It is applied topically to the scalp in the region of thinning hair. This and other prescription products are very effective, but can come at the price of side effects such as an irregular heart beat and loss of sexual desire.

Natural supplements are available that are as potent or more effective than these pharmaceuticals. Recent studies have found that procyanidin B-2 in the skin of green apples perform this function and are up to two hundred times as effective as minoxidil. The Saw Palmetto herb has been found to effectively block DHT, as well as promote prostate health. The benefit of these natural alternatives is that you don\’t see the more dramatic side effects of the pharmaceutical drugs.

For many men, the first step in stopping hair loss is to maintain proper nutrition. An improvement in diet can show remarkable improvements in hair growth. By eating foods rich B-vitamins, folic acid, niacin, and minerals including Zinc and magnesium, follicles will have the necessary building blocks to function. Reducing simple carbohydrates and saturated fats will improve the body\’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Taking a multivitamin supplement is a great way to ensure nutrition levels are being met.

Surgical methods exist that are both expensive and painful. With these, hair is removed from the back or sides of the head and transplanted in the thinning area. Non-surgical treatments are slow and require patience but provide gradual and more natural restoration. Results may not begin to be noticeable for three to six months.

The sooner you start dealing with hair loss, the more likely you are to retain and re-grow hair. Once the follicles have died off completely, they probably won\’t come back. So take action early or learn to love a smooth hairless head.

Learn more about treatments for balding men. Stop by John Farikani\’s site where you can find out all about hair loss and what it can do for you. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

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