The Ongoing Search For a Cure For Hair Loss

Hair loss is a slow progressing phenomena that has been known to affect both sexes of humans and other species, though is often a more predominant characteristic of the male sex. While male hair loss is often considered common, it can be seen as undesirable or unattractive by some and therefore much research has been devoted to finding treatments and cures for the ailment. These treatments range from surgical procedures, to less invasive herbal or topical cream remedies, and current research continues to seek out new therapies in hopes of a cure.

Pattern baldness is particularly common, affecting roughly 40 million men in the United States alone. However, despite these dire approximations, much research has been devoted to developing some very promising treatments. Many have great success with surgical procedures such as hair plugs and skin grafts, which essentially move hair follicles that are less affected by the hormones that cause baldness, to the balder areas where the follicles are more sensitive. However, these procedures often include an immense amount of continuing care to ensure their success and can also be extremely costly, while not providing a permanent cure.

Other methods that are less invasive are topical creams and herbal remedies. Topical creams are applied externally to the affected area(s). They contain medicinal ingredients that contain hair growth stimulating properties, or properties which block the hormone receptors in the follicles, allowing the hair that is originally present in the affected area to maintain its regular cycle growth phases. Herbal remedies on the other hand, can help to treat the ailment from within the body. Herbal supplements that contain extracts such as aloe vera, nettle, and birch have been proven to be extremely helpful in the fight against baldness, have a success rate of up to 60%, and as an added bonus, due to their natural make-up, also provide the body with vitamins and minerals that can build up the immune system. Natural remedies also have far fewer, if any, side effects at all, again, due to their natural composition, however, they must be taken continuously to prevent further hair loss.

Currently, research into the causes for pattern baldness is continuing with special interests being pursued regarding genetic causes and transmission. Chinese natural medicines are also being carefully monitored and considered due to their wide range of benefits with very little side effects. One specific traditional Chinese remedy for hair loss, known as polygonum multiflorum, is currently being studied under the microscope as a potential cure, and is the subject for great hope for a cure for pattern baldness. The active ingredient in this treatment is thought to not only slow the rate of hair loss, but to possibly even reverse some of the damage. New studies are also being conducted on the human steroid dutasteride. A steroid is a hormone produced naturally within the body. Steroids can also however, be produced synthetically, and in clinical studies some have been proven to be helpful in the fight against hair loss. Occaionally during clinical trials, side effects can produce unexpected results that can also be helpful in reducing hair loss, or even in promoting hair growth. Such side effects have recently resulted from an anti-fungul treatment known as Ketoconazole, and it is now also being studied to further these findings.

There is currently a wide array of many promising new treatments being considered and properly tested in the hopes of one day finding a cure for pattern baldness. However, before beginning any new treatment, one should always remember to first consult their family physician, and carefully consider all side effects, if any are present in the treatment, prior to beginning.

Michael Stanford is a freelance writer in the nutritional industry. He has contributed research on many of the top new hair loss treatments available today, as well as serving as a consultant to the supplement industry.