Sunday 20 March 2011

Do You Have the Male Pattern Baldness Gene?

Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men and surprisingly one of the most common seen in women. It's impact is seen in as many as nine out of ten men and one out of every four women who experience permanent progressive balding.

The male pattern baldness gene can be acquired from either side of the family tree and noticeable hair loss can begin as early as the teenage years. While teen balding is possible it is not considered to be the norm. For women carrying the male pattern baldness gene onset is generally experienced much later in life but once again exceptions do apply.

For men carrying the male pattern baldness gene the progression of the condition is unmistakable with hair loss beginning at the forehead or on the top of the head toward the back. Some men are lucky and only have experience the standard and expected receding hair line along with a small bald spot on the crown. The balding occurs in an M shaped pattern.

Others, especially those who started to notice hair loss early in life will likely lose all of the hair on top of the head but retain hair on the sides and back. While some will discount the importance of hair that is spared from the ravages of male and female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) others will recognize its importance, especially if hair transplant surgery is to be attempted sometime in the future.

For women carrying the male pattern baldness gene the pattern is not quite so distinguishable. The most common type is recognized as a general and balanced thinning with the hair line staying intact. Another less often seen pattern follows that of their male counterparts where severe thinning is seen on the top of the head with hair remaining intact on the sides. The number one rule for women who suspect they may have the male pattern baldness gene it to consult your doctor to rule out other possible causes such as menopause or medical causes such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

For both men and women carrying the male pattern baldness gene, whose hair loss is severe, surgical procedures are available and can produce excellent results under the right set of circumstances. In these procedures hair is transplanted from the back of the head to the thinning frontal areas. Hair transplant surgery is expensive often running well over $10,000. Insurance doesn't cover these procedures making them a large out of pocket expense.

For many the cost simply puts surgical procedures out of their grasp. The good news is there are a number of low cost oral and topical treatments that work well, especially in cases where those with the male pattern baldness gene have recognized the magnitude of their dilemma early, before severe follicle damage has occurred.

Tell me more! There are currently a handful of hair re-growth products (specially formulated for both men and women) which have been proven effective both in blocking harmful hormones and bringing the all important dead hair follicles back to life. These specially formulated treatments can be used both as a preventative tool, starting before hair loss becomes severe, or after loss of hair has become noticeable. Whatever the level of balding or thinning you are experiencing these products could be just what is needed to overcome this latest life challenge.

Tag :  male pattern baldness,baldness,gene

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