A common, inherited form of pattern hair loss called androgenetic alopecia is often treated with prescription medications such as finasteride. However, there are natural ways to treat the condition that come with fewer or no side effects.
As discussed in parts 1 and 2 of our hair loss series, sensitivity of scalp hair follicles to the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a primary driver of hair loss in most men and many women. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors—such as the popular drug finasteride—reduce DHT levels by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.