***Choosing the Right Male Hair Loss Treatment

For most men, hair loss is a natural process that, unfortunately, goes with the territory. Male pattern baldness affects 25% of men before they even reach 30 years of age. By age 35, 75% of men begin suffering from this condition. The fact is few men get through life without developing some degree of male pattern baldness.

Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, develops due to a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone produced when 5-alpha reductase breaks down testosterone. Once DHT is produced, it latches onto the hormone receptors on the hair follicles.

When attached to the receptors, DHT blocks the follicles’ supply of nutrients, which causes miniaturization. Instead of producing healthy hair, the miniaturized hair follicles begin producing thin, short strands. Over time, DHT can cause the follicles to become dormant and stop producing hair completely.

Male pattern baldness accounts for 95% of all male hair loss and occurs in a specific pattern. This condition first affects the hair directly above the temples. Hair will then begin thinning at the crown of the head. Eventually, only the hair around the sides and the back of the head will remain. While this is not always the case, most men lose their hair in this pattern.

Is a Medicated Male Hair Loss Treatment the Only Option?

Since male pattern baldness is such a common condition, numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications have been developed to help control hair loss. By now, most male adults have heard of Rogaine, a male hair loss treatment that contains minixodil. Finasteride and other medications are also commonly used to treat male pattern baldness. These supplements work by blocking the hormones that cause hair loss, enlarging the follicles and stimulating blood flow to the scalp.

While these medications are usually effective, not every man wants to treat his hair loss with potent chemicals. Minixodil, the most commonly used male hair loss treatment, has been linked to many different side effects. This medication is known to cause weight gain, nausea, increased body hair, vomiting and allergic reaction. Finasteride commonly causes sexual side effects and might increase users’ risk of prostate and male breast cancer.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat male pattern baldness outside of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many natural herbs, oils and extracts have been found to work just like medicated treatments. Research has found that certain herbs, including saw palmetto, nettles, pumpkin seed oil and gotu kola, are able to block DHT. Other natural supplements stimulate circulation in the scalp, deliver nutrients and support hair growth.

Why Choose a Natural Male Hair Loss Treatment?

There are several benefits to using a natural supplement instead of a medicated male hair loss treatment. Unlike medicated treatments, supplements will not introduce foreign chemicals into the body. According to data released by the Department of Health and Human Services, over 50% of adults are on at least one prescription drug. Many more regularly take over-the-counter medications. Unless it is absolutely necessary, many men would rather not put another chemical into their body.

Natural supplements are chemical-free and much gentler on the body. However, the greatest benefit of choosing a natural male hair loss treatment is that these treatments work just as well as their chemical competitors. With effective, healthy choices available, it is surprising that more men do not go the natural route.