Male Pattern Baldness

In men, the most common form of baldness has been widely acknowledged to be Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). This condition shows a greater than normal concentration of DHT or Dihydrotestosterone in the scalp region.

DHT is a product of the interaction between the male hormone testosterone and the naturally occurring enzyme 5-Alpha Reductase in the human body. The reason for AGA has been determined to be hereditary or genetic.

Male Pattern Baldness can set in at any age between 18-35 in the average male. The male parent and related family members are a sure indicator of the likelihood of having AGA. If they have it, chances are you will have it too.

Male pattern baldness follows a typical sequence or pattern, usually noticed at the temples and/or on the crown of the head. The notorious Widow's Peak is a trademark indicator. So is the 'Cue Ball' sitting right on top that often threatens to grow larger.

In AGA, DHT closes in on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle it slows down hair production and produces weak, shorter hair. It sometimes stops hair growth from the follicle completely. What you notice is a relentless spread of bare areas and thinning of hair.

The search for a cure for Male Pattern Baldness has been going on for ages. There are many kinds of treatments available today, depending on how intensely one wants to minimize the effects of AGA and how much one is willing to spend in terms of time and money. These include cosmetic weaving, combing, topical applications, pills and surgical methods like scalp tightening, hair transplantation and more.