Pattern baldness is a common form of hair loss in both females and males. In males this condition is known as male-pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness often starts right above the temples. The hair will also thin around the crown area. In several cases male pattern baldness will lead on to partial or complete baldness.

Male pattern baldness has been connected with a variety of medical problems, eg enlarged prostate, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

Male pattern baldness has a bearing on a projected 35 million men across the U. S. A. Believe it or not male pattern baldness can start as early as the teen years. The symptoms are much more likely to extend as a man ages.

There are a range of genetic and environmental factors likely to play a role in causing male pattern baldness. Researchers are at present studying the risk factors which will contribute to this condition, as of the time of this writing most of the factors still remain unknown.

Though I've made each effort not to be to technical it cannot be evaded. Therefore steady yourself, here it comes. Analysts have determined that this kind of hair loss is related to hormones called androgens, particularly an androgen called dihydrotestosterone. Androgens also has other critical functions such as regulating hair growth and sex drive.

The Phases of Hair Growth

hair growth begins under the skin in structures called follicles. Each strand of hair typically grows for 2 to 6 years, goes into a resting phase for several months, and then falls out. The cycle starts over when the follicle begins growing a new hair. Heightened amounts of androgens in follicles can end up in a shorter cycle of hair growth and the growth of shorter and thinner strands of hair. Additionally, there's a delay in the growth of new hair to replace strands that are shed.