Quickstart

This guide will help you get up to speed on the main topics involved in hair loss. We'll cover how to get started a regimen to defend your hair from attack from excessive DHT in your scalp to what foods you ought to add to your diet to boost your body's DHT reducing capability. Needless to say, if you want to skip to any section or search for a topic, use the drawer on the left or the search bar

What is hair loss?

Before you decide to try any of the regimens, supplements, procedures on this website, please be aware that the information provided to you on this website is for your research benefit and does not constitute as medical advice.

Androgenic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss in men. It's a complex interplay of genetics, hormones, and aging. Here's a breakdown of its biology:

Genetics: A person's predisposition to androgenic alopecia is largely genetic. The condition tends to run in families, so if your close relatives have experienced hair loss, your chances of experiencing it are higher.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

This is the primary hormone implicated in androgenic alopecia. DHT is derived from testosterone, a male sex hormone. The conversion of testosterone to DHT is facilitated by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Your body has both Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 DHT. For example, Finasteride affects mostly Type 2, but dutasteride reduces all three types and hence been found to be more effective in clinical trials.

DHT binds to androgen receptors on hair follicles, particularly those located in the frontal and crown areas of the scalp. Over time, DHT causes these hair follicles to miniaturize. This means they shrink and produce shorter, finer hairs. Eventually, the hair growth cycle for these affected follicles becomes shorter, leading to thinning hair and, eventually, hair loss. Hair Growth Cycle Changes:

The normal hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). In androgenic alopecia, the anagen phase becomes progressively shorter, while the telogen phase gets longer. This results in the shedding of more hairs and a decreased number of actively growing hairs. Pattern: Androgenic alopecia in men typically starts with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning on the crown, which can progress to partial or complete baldness.

Other Factors: While genetics and DHT are primary factors, other elements can influence the onset and progression of male-pattern baldness.

For instance, conditions that affect testosterone levels or its conversion to DHT might influence the progression of hair loss. In addition, stress, poor nutrition, certain medications, and other factors can contribute to or accelerate hair loss.

Common treatment and Management protocols

Treatment ranges from topical solutions, to prescription drug regimens and invasive transplant procedures.

DHT Blockers: Drugs like finasteride are used to reduce the production of DHT in the body, thereby slowing or stopping the progression of hair loss.

Minoxidil: Originally developed as a blood pressure medication, minoxidil is a topical treatment that can stimulate hair growth in some individuals.

Hair Transplants: In cases where hair loss is significant, hair transplantation might be a viable option. This involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back of the head) to the areas affected by hair loss.

Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy is another option being explored for the treatment of androgenic alopecia, though its efficacy is still debated.

Understanding the biology of androgenic alopecia helps in designing effective treatment strategies. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of treatments can vary significantly from one individual to another. We all have slightly different DNA!

Taking the first steps to change your diet

Anyone who has dieted or knows someone who has dieted or is currently dieting will know that sticking to a new regimen is not easy. Yet, making small changes incrementally can lead to drastic outcomes over time. The best way view to take of lifestyle changes is to adopt the frame of mind and time horizon you take with your pension. It takes a long time!

What's next (Supplements & Procedures)?

Great, now you need to think of what supplements you can add to alter your androgen levels, which androgen receptor agonists work best for you and with side effects with which you can live. These range from applying Nizoral shampoo and leaving it on your head for five minutes each morning to a daily finasteride or dutasteride table to bathing in tea tree oil extract. There are many different correcting remedies that you can incorporate into your life.

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