The male pattern baldness gene has yet to be identified, although researchers have identified some genes that play a role in hair loss in humans, it is not known if they are the ones responsible for androgenic alopecia. Humans are not the only mammals to lose hair at the top of the head, but it probably bothers us more than it bothers other animals.

There are some things that we know about loosing hair, in general, and others that we don't. Here's a look at some of the things that we know.

If it is truly male pattern baldness, it is often referred to as androgenic (related to male hormones) alopecia (hair loss). The name explains what the cause is believed to be, hair loss caused by hormones. It affects women, as well, but women rarely go completely bald as a result.

If it is androgenic alopecia, the loss will not occur suddenly. It will occur gradually over the course of one's life; sometimes beginning as early as high school. By the time they reach the age of 50, about half of all men have some hair loss and by the age of 80, over 70% do.

In order to determine if the male pattern baldness gene is one of the ones that has been discovered, researchers would need to perform genetic testing on a large portion of the population. It's doubtful that will ever occur. Some men are happy being bald and never consult a doctor about the causes or treatments.

When hair loss occurs suddenly, genes are not the cause. It could be exposure to toxins in the environment, stress, nutritional deficiency, medications or an underlying health problem.

Although there may be a male pattern baldness gene, it seems to be unlikely that 50% of all men have it. Some estimates indicate that 4 out of 7 do. But, if that is the case, one would think there would be more bald men walking around.

Most scientists feel that there are many factors which determine whether or not hair loss will occur. Some of those factors have to do with diet and lifestyle. There is a correlation between the metabolic syndrome and alopecia, even though the metabolic syndrome is not genetic. It is caused by poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.

In other words, improving your diet and changing your lifestyle could reduce hair loss, even if you have the male pattern baldness gene. Topically applied Minoxidil is effective, too.

If you are currently experiencing mild to moderate hair loss and you are between the ages of 18 and 41, you can expect Minoxidil to be effective about 80% of the time. Why it doesn't work for the other 20% is unknown. In fact, how it works is unknown. But, it does work well for most men and women, too.

Researchers are probably getting close to identifying the male pattern baldness gene. But, what that means for treating the condition is unknown. Now, you know what the scientists know.