What are the Latest Hair Loss Research Secrets?

The latest hair loss research has focused on the genes that might contribute to or cause the problem. We have known for years that male and female pattern baldness tends to "run in the family". But, only in recent years have we learned enough about different genes to make a guess about which one or ones are involved.

So, far, researchers have identified five different genes that are believed to play a role in alopecia; the medical term for hair loss. There are different genes, because there are different types of alopecia.

When the hair loss occurs in a pattern, centered on the crown of the head in men, becoming an ever widening "part" in women, the condition is referred to as pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. The word androgenic indicates that male hormones or androgens are involved.

Specifically, there is one male hormone that is commonly blamed for androgenic alopecia. That hormone is called dihydrotestosterone or DHT. DHT is also believed to play a role in the progression of prostate cancer and is known to play a role in enlarged prostate. Finasteride, a drug that inhibits DHT production, was originally used to treat enlarged prostate.

Some of the latest hairloss research has focused on the effectiveness and the safety of finasteride. The drug was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of male pattern baldness and is prescribed in other countries, as well.

But, hormonal specialists have noted an increased incidence of erectile dysfunction in men that take finasteride for baldness. They recommend against prescribing it for the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

There are safer alternatives. Some studies have shown that saw palmetto is as effective as finasteride, but has no unwanted side effects. The plant was used historically to help balance male hormonal levels and to treat enlarged prostate. It has been suggested that taking the extract on a regular basis might help prevent prostate cancer.

Does all of the latest hair loss research focus on men? No, but when you look at the studies concerning female alopecia, it may seem to be a new subject.

Researchers are still looking at how often the condition occurs and the significance of which parts of the scalp are affected. Although they may not have all of the answers, they are sure of one thing. The emotional impact of hair loss makes treatment desirable.

The latest hair loss research indicates that there are new treatments on the horizon. Today, we have Minoxidil. It is the most effective and safest treatment available. Because it is applied to the scalp, there is no danger to the rest of the body.

Minoxidil works by increasing circulation of nutrients to the hair producing follicles and by protecting the follicles from the damage that DHT can do. It might not be magical, but it is quite effective when used as directed. Some people fail to use it as often as they should or they forget to read the directions label. It's understandable that they don't see results.

Now, you know a little more about the latest hair loss research. You can keep an eye out for new information, but in the meantime, try Minoxidil. It works.