What is hair loss?

Hair loss or alopecia consists of the following subcategories: alopecia areata (temporary hair loss in a coin-shaped patch), telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss due to stresses on the body), and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss). While hormones and genetics are known to contribute to the issue, there is no exact understanding of the causes of hair loss.

Does genetics influence hair loss?

Inherited traits play a significant role in male-pattern hair loss. The link is polygenic, however, which means that multiple factors work together and no single gene is responsible.

Is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) involved with hair loss?

Dihydrotestosterone is the active form of the male hormone testosterone. Elevated levels in hair follicles initiates baldness. Hair restoration products such as Propecia block the conversion of testosterone to DHT which results in the resumption of hair growth.

What are the major options for combating hair loss?

1) Chemical Treatment: Finasteride (Propecia & Proscar) is a chemical treatment which blocks the transformation of testosterone to DHT and has shown significant results in promoting growth. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is believed to promote increased blood flow to the scalp and thus reduce hair loss and maintain existing growth.
2) Surgical Treatment: Hair transplantation consists of grafting small sections of growing hair to hairless areas.