Balding and testosterone is an interesting area of discussion. It is ironic that the hormone most closely linked to male virility can in fact be the cause of hair loss in both men and women. Testosterone is one of a family of hormones called Androgens which are produced primary within the cells inside the testicles. In women testosterone is produced in very small amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone in its original form does not cause balding but when hair follicles convert this vital androgenic hormone into another more powerful hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a condition known as male pattern baldness in men and female pattern baldness in women can occur.

The human scalp is covered with an estimated 100,000 hairs. These tiny strands spring forth from a small pouch like sacs called a follicle. A complete hair cycle includes two major phases: the growing phase, which lasts four to six years, and the resting phase which lasts two to three months. But hair growth cannot go unchecked; there must be a hair cop on board to make sure that the hair replacement cycle is carried out as planned. This cop is an enzyme known as 5 alpha reductase type 2 and when he gets cranky bad things happen. If he decides to be a whirlwind of DHT production balding or thinning is sure to follow. It may not be noticed immediately due to the vast number of scalp hairs but over time the loss of hair will become problematic. Men will begin to notice a receding hair line combined with thinning on the top. Women will notice a more evenly distributed thinning process that may cover the entire scalp, which generally begins later in life. The differences in how androgenic alopecia presents itself has to do with overall testosterone levels and differences in the pattern of hormone receptors and enzymes in the scalps of men and women.

Testosterone related balding accounts for an estimated 90% of all cases of hair loss. One in every four men begins losing his hair by age 30; the remaining two thirds start balding by age 60.

What can be done? This is the question that millions of men and women who have been victimized by the hair loss bandit, AKA androgenic alopecia, are asking. The good news is if the condition is recognized early there are a number of excellent hair regrowth products which are specifically formulated to slow and possibly reverse the condition. On the other hand if balding and testosterone (DHT) levels have gotten out of hand and allowed to cause extensive hair loss over time your options will be limited. This is truly one of the conditions where early treatment may make the difference in being able to keep your precious hair or joining the ranks of the bald is beautiful club.