Nearly all men assume that when the start to lose their hair that it because of their genes and in most cases this is correct. Male Pattern Baldness is caused by the build up of DHT in the scalp and there is not alot that can be done about it apart from arresting the formation of this hair follicle damaging compound with either Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine(minoxidil).

However it is important to take into account other factors that could be the cause of the hair loss or be excerbating the existing Male Pattern Balding. It is especially important for men who suffer from MPB to take good care of their hair and not to place any more stress on it or the scalp.

Hair loss in men and women can speed up with factors like stress and anxiety as well as unhealthy living and poor diet. Hair loss can also increase due to changes in hormone levels and say a thyroid problem but this will occur more in women than men. Women also sometimes experience hair loss after pregnancy but this is just temporary.

Some medications such as drugs to thin the blood, cancer drugs, anti depressants, certain types of birth control pills and others may be the reason for hair loss in men and women. It is essential to let your doctor know what medications you are taking so that he or she can establish the root cause of your hair loss and not diagnose your hair loss problem wrongly. Most of medication related hair loss is of a temporary nature and will cease when the medication is stopped.

Treatments to hair involving chemicals for colouring and styling may also have a temporary effect on hair loss. They should be discontinued and your hair should be kept healthy and hydrated with good shampoos and conditioners. Extensive use of harmful substances to the hair can cause permanent hair loss if the hair follicles get damaged.