The most common type of hair loss is that of male hair loss which may be the result of increased sensitivity to the male sex hormones that exist in certain areas of the scalp and may be passed from generation to generation. Once, baldness was perceived as being unfortunate as well as undesirable but attitudes to baldness have changed and a clean-shaven head in modern times is looked upon as fashionable as well as attractive.

In certain men, some portions of their scalp may be very sensitive to particular hormones that circulate in the blood. These hormones make the hair-growing follicles shrink which over time would make them incapable to replace lost hairs. Even though the follicles are still alive they are unable to perform the task of growing hair.

Receding Hairlines and U-Shapes

Men, aged between 25 and 30 years of age may see such conditions appear which may follow a typical pattern that begins with a hairline that starts to recede and over time. The hair on the top of the head begins thinning and the two balding areas meet to form a U-shape; even hair that remains tends to be thin and is slow to grow.

Male hair loss is usually passed on from parent to child and although there are medical treatments that may improve the condition, using them may result in having side effects. Male hair loss is quite widely prevalent and there are different reactions to how it is perceived. However, one should try and accept male hair loss as being a natural condition and not try to camouflage it with the use of wigs to hide the bald spots.

Male hair loss may be treated with medication, or with plastic surgery. Medications include Monoxidil lotion such as Rogaine regular and Rogaine extra strength and it can be applied twice a day to the scalp. To begin with, Monoxidil was invented primarily for treating high blood pressure and hair growth is only a side effect that has become useful for treating male hair loss. Plastic surgery can be a very effective means to treating male hair loss and there is constant improvement in the techniques used to restore hair growth.

Irrespective of which method you choose, weigh the costs and benefits f each treatment option and discuss it with your physician before you go ahead with it.

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Discuss - Genetics: The most common cause of hair loss is rooted in your genes also known as androgenetic alopecia, hereditary hair loss can begin any time after puberty, but usually sets in before the age of forty and may accelerate around the time you reach menopause.

At present only two medications have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). While both of these continue to prove their worth to many patients, some individuals are disappointed with their results and seek other forms of treatment. Often they turn to drugs that have not been approved for the treatment of hair loss, but which have shown themselves over time to have a positive effect in dealing with this condition.

Discuss - The myth � Rubbing curry over the scalp may stop hair loss.

1. Avodart (dutasteride) - this is a new medication that is not yet approved for hair loss but which offers exciting possibilities for treating male patten baldness. It works in a similar way to Propecia which prevents one of two enzymes from converting testosterone into DHT thus blocking two thirds of DHT production. Avodart takes this process a stage further by blocking both enzymes thus reducing overall DHT production by 93%. It is currently approved for the treatment of enlarged prostates and should not under any circumstances be taken by women of child bearing age.

Discuss - The myth � Hair loss can only happen after you turn 50.

2. Proscar (finasteride) - Propecia has become a valued weapon in the fight against male pattern baldness but it began life in the form of Proscar. In fact, the active ingredient is identical with Proscar containing a higher dose of 5 mg compared with Propecia’s 1 mg. Many men therefore assume that the higher dose is more effective in preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The extent to which this is true is debatable although the basic facts do tell us Proscar blocks slightly more DHT formation. Some physicians feel its use is warranted in a small proportion of older men and women who previously have not responded to treatment with Propecia.

Discuss - Medical treatments like Rogaine. Rogaine is one of only two FDA approved hair loss treatments and it remains the only one approved for use by women.

3. Tretinoin (Retin-A) - this is well known for the treatment of acne but medical studies have shown it also helps stimulate hair regrowth. Some experts argue that tretinoin enhances the absorption and penetration of minoxidil into the hair follicles. As a result, several formulas of tretinoin and minoxidil are available, generally only by prescription.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Treatments to find out more about the issues covered in this article.

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The Ultimate Hair Loss Solution. Men - Stop Hair Loss, Revive Thinning Hair, And Regrow Lost Hair Starting Now. Powerful Insider Secrets To Restoring Hair Loss.

Minoxidil is one of only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss and is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Originally introduced as a medicine to treat high blood pressure, it was noticed that users began to grow extra hair. It is now available without prescription as a topically applied liquid in solutions like Rogaine, but cheaper generic versions are also available. A 2% solution is marketed as a treatment for both men and women, but a 5% version is approved only for men.

The main benefit of minoxidil is its ability to stimulate hair growth - it does not tackle the causes of hair loss, but simply overrides the symptoms. Some uncertainty surrounds the reasons why it works, but it has proven to be a very effective hair loss treatment with minimal risk of side effects.

Discuss - Stress: Another common reason for hair loss in women is stress as known as Telogen Effluvium. What happens is that the growing healthy hairs enter the resting (telogen) phase of hair growth.

It is particularly useful when used to reverse the effects of male pattern baldness but it has also shown positive results in the treatment of less severe forms of alopecia areata. Its usefulness in helping other forms of hair loss appears limited.

Minoxidil is better known as Rogaine but other generic products deliver the same results for much less cost. It can be safely used with other hair loss treatments and is especially effective when used in conjunction with Propecia to tackle male pattern baldness.

You can find out more about minoxidil and other hair loss treatments at the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com, website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Minoxidil to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

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