Male Pattern Baldness Blog

Going bald: hair loss may seem out of your control, but there are things you can do to help prevent it

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:52:48 +0000

Teenage boys with a male adult in the family who is bald or losing his hair may be asking themselves this question: Am I going to be bald when I grow up?

The answer is … maybe. Among adults, the most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, sometimes called male-pattern baldness. This condition is caused by a combination of factors, including the presence of hormones in the body called androgens. Genetics, traits that are passed down from generation to generation, also play a role. So if your father or grandfather is going bald, then there is a chance that you may too. And hair loss can start as early as the mid-teen years.

(For girls snickering out there, women can lose their hair over time too. But androgenetic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness.)

The truth is that people lose hair every day. Most people lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day, according to Kidshealth.org. New hairs replace these hairs by growing in their place. Studies have shown that when that doesn’t happen, it is often due to hormones in the body and genetics.

Regarding hormones in the body, medical studies have shown that men with androgenetic alopecia typically have lower levels of total testosterone, and higher levels of free testosterone and total free androgens than people who don’t go bald. Studies that have examined the genetic role of hair loss have yielded conflicting results. Some show that male pattern baldness is more likely to be inherited from a person’s mother rather than father. Others show the opposite.

But before you go blaming the older generations in your family for your hair loss or even the possibility that you may lose your hair, there are two other reasons why a person may start going bald that you have a lot of control over. The first is hair treatments and styling. Having your hair chemically treated, such as getting it colored, bleached, straightened, or permed, can cause damage that may make the hair break off or fall out temporarily. And wearing hair pulled so tightly so that it places tension on the scalp can result in a condition called traction alopecia, reports Kidshealth.org. Traction alopecia can be permanent if the style is worn for a long enough time that it damages the hair follicles.

Another factor that can cause hair loss is poor nutrition. This is why some people suffering from eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia lose their hair. What happens is that their bodies aren’t getting the necessary protein, vitamins, and minerals to sustain hair growth. So if you want to keep the hair on your head, please eat balanced meals that include meats, fruits, and vegetables, along with carbohydrates.

How can I stop my hair loss?

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:22:48 +0000

Q: I’m 32 and like every other man my age, I’m starting to lose my hair. I’ve heard that there are products available which can help prevent hair loss in men. Can I get these from my GP and do they actually work?

A: By the age of 30, three in 10 men will have started to notice thinning and receding of the hairline, particularly around the crown of the head and at both temples.

Eventually the areas join together leaving a U-shaped ring of hair around the head. This typical male-pattern hair loss runs in families, and with time may continue to progress to complete baldness.

Although many men laugh off their receding hairlines, hair loss can be quite a sensitive subject and one which can cause considerable problems with confidence and self-esteem.

Hair follicles in men are sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is broken down from the male sex hormone, testosterone. DHT targets the hair follicles, causing them to shrink so that they are only able to produce very thin, fine hair. Eventually they shrink so much that hair growth stops completely.

Although there is no ultimate cure formale baldness, there are a few products available which can help slow down the rate of hair loss and promote and stimulate new hair growth.

Your GP can offer you two types of treatments – a topical solution, which can be rubbed onto the affected areas twice daily, or a once-daily oral tablet.

The oral drug Finasteride (brand name Propecia)works by blocking the action of DHT and hence preventing shrinkage of the hair follicles.The follicles are able to return to their normal size, allowing the re-growth of new, thicker and stronger hair. Continued use of Finasteride is needed for about three to six months before any benefit is seen and approximately 66% of men will achieve hair re-growth with this drug.

Upon discontinuation of treatment, the balding process will resume about eight to 12 months later. Side-effects from Finasteride are uncommon, but erectile problems and decreased libido (sex drive) are occasionally reported.

Many of my patients prefer to use the topical solution Minoxidil (brand name Regaine), instead of taking a daily tablet. Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure, and hair growth was found to be one of the side effects of the drug! The exact way in which Minoxidil helpsimprovebaldness is not fully understood. Some experts suggest that it may act to increase the blood flow, and hence the supply of vitamins and nutrients, to the actual hair follicle itself.

It is important to note that Minoxidil will notwork for every case of male-pattern baldness. Minoxidil will slow the balding process in approximately 50% of individuals, but only 15% of users will actually experience thicker, stronger hair.

The effects of Minoxidil are only apparent for as long as it is used, and upon discontinuation of the treatment, patients find that the hair loss quickly resumes.

Minoxidil can be bought over the counter from many pharmacies, but can also be obtained as a private prescription from your GP.

So, the ongoing quest for the ultimate cure for baldness continues, and much research is under way to develop new and exciting hair-loss treatments. For more information on advanced hair restoration procedures such as hair transplants, you should contact your nearest trichology clinic or cosmetic surgeon.

Baldness Is Inherited From The Father As Well As The Mother: HairDX Improves Genetic Baldness Test By Looking At Both Sides

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:52:48 +0000

IRVINE, Calif. — HairDX, developer of the first genetic test for predicting the risk of male and female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) today announced it is now able to provide doctors with an improved prediction by looking at genetic variants inherited from the mother combined with the risk for baldness attributed by the father.

“It is well known in the medical community that pattern hair loss is inherited in a complex fashion with paternal as well as maternal influence. While the maternal inheritance of certain gene variants are necessary for the development of pattern hair loss, they are not sufficient. The HairDX test has improved predictive power by incorporating both maternal as well as paternal influences,” says Sharon Keene, M.D. Chief Medical Officer of HairDX.

“A man whose father has even a minimal amount of hair loss who tests positive for the variant AR gene has over 80% chance of developing male pattern hair loss,” says Andy Goren, President and CEO of HairDX.

The news is better for men whose fathers did not experience balding. A man whose father has no signs of hair loss who tests negative for the variant AR gene has over 90% chance of not developing male pattern hair loss.

“With the improved predictive value of the HairDX genetic test, a doctor is better informed than ever before, and can provide a personalised analysis of an individual’s likelihood of developing Androgenetic Alopecia, the most common type of hair loss,” said Goren.

The HairDX genetic test for baldness is available through doctors only.

About HairDX, LLC.

HairDX (www.hairdx.com and Twitter: @HairDX) is a molecular dermatology company founded in 2007 by leading researchers and specialists in genetics and dermatology. It is dedicated to the research and development of new prescription based therapies for skin conditions tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.

The company introduced HairDX, a genetic screening test for Female and male pattern baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia). The HairDX test collection kit is listed with Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class I medical device.

The HairDX Genetic Test for Hair Loss is also available as a CE Marked product under the European In Vitro Diagnostic Directive.

Wireless News – HairDX: Baldness Is Inherited from Both Parents

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:22:48 +0000

HairDX, developer of a genetic test for predicting the risk of male and female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) said that it is now able to provide doctors with an improved prediction by looking at genetic variants inherited from the mother combined with the risk for baldness attributed by the father.

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“A man whose father has even a minimal amount of hair loss who tests positive for the variant AR gene has over 80 percent chance of developing male pattern hair loss,” says Andy Goren, President and CEO of HairDX.

HairDX noted that the news is better for men whose fathers did not experience balding. A man whose father has no signs of hair loss who tests negative for the variant AR gene has over 90 percent chance of not developing male pattern hair loss.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

The bald truth about hair loss

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:52:48 +0000

SundayNews.co.nz

The bald truth about hair loss
SundayNews.co.nz
Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) – characterised by a receding hairline and thinning crown – is the most common type and is hereditary and normal …

Solutions for male baldness explained by expert

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:22:48 +0000

Solutions for male baldness explained by expert
stv.tv
A large majority of men who suffer from male pattern baldness feel it affects their self-esteem, explaining why so many attempt to cover up the problem. …

Hair Transplant Advances

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:52:48 +0000

Hair Transplant Advances
WTVQ
In men, the most common cause of hair loss is male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). According to the International Society of Hair Restoration …

Innovative and Natural Looking Hair Loss Treatment for Male Hair Loss

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:22:48 +0000

Innovative and Natural Looking hair loss Treatment for Male Hair Loss!
I-Newswire.com (press release)
That makes male pattern baldness the big secret that no one talks about. If you are a man who is noticing his thinning hair, you might be wondering what to …

Provillus Hair Loss Treatment

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:52:48 +0000

hair loss is often an unavoidable part of the aging process not only for men but also for women. When people often discuss the topic hair loss and baldness, it is often focused around men. Truth be told, balding is something that has started to affect both women and men equally in recent years. While we know that male and female pattern baldness is a big part of the lives of many, it can be hard to decipher which products and treatments on the market are actually legitimate or beneficial.

There is a vast array of advertising campaigns for products on television, the radio and the internet that can have you quite confused as to which product can truly provide a solution. Now there is good news. The revolutionary Provillus Hair Loss Treatment has been proven to be the most effective as well as the safest way to prevent hair loss AND stimulate growth. This all new system provides equal benefits for the growing number of both men and women that are fighting issues involving hair loss and pattern baldness.

While many hair treatment products use either a liquid or a pill, the Provillus solution uses both methods to guarantee success. This brand new product will quickly rejuvenate your hair follicles, which will not only put a stop to hair loss but will also stimulate the growth of new hair. Imagine getting back that full, lush head of hair that you had in high school that you thought you lost forever. By combining the effects of both a pill and a liquid Provillus offers the most potent and promising hair loss solution available today.

So now your asking how does Provillus work? How can this one product offer so much? In all honesty, it is quite simple. Hormonal imbalances are the main reason for hair loss in both men and women. The provillus hair solution uses an efficient topical ingredient that reverses these imbalances and works directly with your scalp. The liquid goes to work stimulating your hair follicles while the pill works to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to strengthen your hair.

Get started with the Provillus hair solution today and become one of the thousands that support and stand by this miraculous product. Provillus hair loss solution offers an effective and efficient solution for both female and male pattern baldness.

Finally you can stop wading your way through the millions of useless and ineffective products on the market and you can get started on stimulating your hair growth immediately. No more time wasted and no more procrastination. Invest in the Provillus product and you will already be well on your way to hair growth success. You can easily find out more about Provillus just be searching for information on the products.

Useful Tips on Preventing Hair Loss

Male Pattern Baldness Writer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:22:48 +0000

Hair is an important element of our overall appearance. This is important as our outer appearances have an impact in our daily lives. For example, when we meet people during work, attend job interviews, etc., we all need to look good to leave a good impression. So if you are facing a hair loss problem, you probably need to start taking some action.

Everyone has heard of the adage, Prevention is better than cure.

If you want to have healthy hair that will last for the long term, you need to take preventive measures. That means putting in effort to take care of the health of your hair. It’s useful to have at least a basic understanding of your hair before you find out how to take care of it.

First, know that the nutrient that helps your hair to growth is protein. Like all other body parts, you need to have sufficient protein in take for your hair to grow and remain healthy.

Hair follows a strict cycle. It grows and falls regularly and it’s perfectly normal to see a healthy person losing hair every now and then. The interesting thing is that every strand of hair follows its own unique cycle. If they all follow the same cycle, we would have been bald during one season and full of hair in another!

When the cycle of hair comes to an end, it falls off natural without fuss. You won’t even experience any pain. When you run your fingers through your hair while you bath, you almost always find some loose strands of hair in your fingers. That’s perfectly normal. Those strands will fall off by themselves anyway.

But if you find that you are losing hair faster than you are growing hair, you may be facing a hair loss problem. Many variables may be affecting the shredding of your hair. Here are some tips to help you with hair loss prevention.

Have enough rest. – If you are overworked, your body is probably under a lot of stress. Stress is your hair’s worst enemy. It will stunt hair growth and cause you to lose more hair than you usually do. Nothing can substitute proper rest. So be sure to take some time off if you are feeling overworked.

Have a balanced diet. – As mentioned earlier, protein is important for hair growth. If you are not eating well, you are probably not getting enough nutrients for your hair to grow back quickly. Remember, your hair falls off when it reaches the end of its cycle. This happens whether you eat or not. So if you don’t eat well, your hair just can’t grow fast enough to replace the lost strands.

Use high quality hair products. – When your hair grows out of your scalp, it is exposed to the harsh elements of the environment on a daily basis. Imagine the dirt and dust that gets trapped in your hair as you travel to work in a traffic congested city. That’s why hair damages easily when neglected. Use high quality hair products on a regular basis to protect your hair so that they don’t become frail or brittle.