Androgenetic Alopecia – The common foe of males and females

Androgenetic alopecia (a.k.a. androgenic alopecia or alopecia androgenetica) is a common form

of hair loss experienced by both males and females. Androgenetic alopecia hair loss among males

is also called male pattern baldness. And in the case of females it is called female pattern

baldness.

The reason the term “pattern baldness” is used

Androgenetic alopecia is called “pattern baldness” (or “pattern hair loss” or pattern balding”)

as the hair loss in the affected person follows a characteristic pattern. The pattern is

potentially a reversible hair miniaturization, mostly limited to the central scalp.

The difference between <a

href="http://www.androgeneticalopecia.com/hair-loss-men-women/hair-loss-baldness-men.shtml">androgenetic alopecia hair loss </a> among males and females –

The only difference between male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness is the pattern of

hair loss.

Among males, the hair loss takes place in a well-defined pattern. It typically starts above both

temples. And gradually the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shape. Hair loss also

takes place at the crown (near the top of the head), often resulting in either partial or

complete vertex baldness.

Among females, the hair becomes thinner all over the head top. And the hairline does not

recede. Androgenetic alopecia resulting into total baldness is something very rare among

females.

Treatments for androgenetic alopecia hair loss

The principal medications available for male hair loss treatment and female hair loss treatment

include the following –

Finasteride – The original objective of its development was to treat enlarged prostate

conditions. But a low dose version of Finasteride is approved to treat male pattern baldness.

It tackles the factors causing androgenetic alopecia by preventing the conversion of

5-alpha-reductase into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main male hormone linked to hair

loss. And reducing its production plays an effective role in countering male pattern baldness.

Women are strictly advised to consult physicians before using the drug.

Dutasteride (Avodart) – It works in a manner similar to that of Finasteride. But it

reportedly reduces overall DHT production to a great extent – more so than Finasteride.

Women are again strictly advised to consult physicians before using the drug.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) – It directly stimulates the hair follicle into an increased level

of growth activity.

The herbal supplements-

Apart from medicines, some herbal supplements also play crucial roles in androgenetic alopecia

hair loss treatment.

The herbal supplements that you will find very helpful in countering pattern baldness include

the following –

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), Boarage oil, Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia), Green tea extract,

Grape seeds, Apple skin, Black cohosh, Licorice, Ayurvedic antistress tea, He Shou Wu

(Polygonum multiflorum), Pygeum (Pygeum africanum), Cinnamon and Dragon Bone, Mixture of

Bupleurum and Dragon Bone, Silver and Platycodon Formula.