With up to 50% of men being affected by male pattern baldness by the time they're in their fifties, it's no wonder baldness treatments are the latest topic of concern.  Preventing baldness is the ideal situation, but while science still tries to figure out what the causes are, there are many ways to conceal and to treat the 'root' of the problem.  These baldness treatments may be able to help you too.

What is known about male pattern baldness is that it seems to be linked with the production of hormones in the body.  As a man ages or begins to stop producing these hormones, the hair begins to fall out and become thinner.  For some men, this is controlled by heredity and there is little they can do to stop it.  But for other men, it may be a symptom of a disease or imbalance in their bodies, so a trip to the doctor is always recommended before beginning baldness treatments.

Rogaine, or minoxidil, is one of the most popular baldness treatments on the market – and it's easy to see why.  Not only is it available over the counter, but it also seems to have a preventative effect on the loss of hair.  When applied to the scalp on a consistent basis, the hair appears to stop falling out and even begins to grow new hairs.  Of course, this new hair is not as thick as the original hair, but it does help to fill in places of thinner hair.  Those that choose minoxidil will need to apply the product as directed and continue to apply it to achieve the same results.  Stopping treatment is not an option if you want to maintain the growth.  In addition, you may have side effects like a higher blood pressure reading and dizziness, so if you are on any other medications, you will want to speak with your doctor first.

Propecia, or finasteride, is a newer development in baldness treatments.  This treatment is an oral medication that the man takes as directed by his doctor.  It does require a prescription at the present time, so a medical evaluation is necessary.

Other more invasive baldness treatments include hair transplantation in which hairs are transplanted onto balding areas of the scalp to promote new hair growth.  These hairs are growing on other places on the head, so they are assumed to be resistant to the pattern of baldness and will continue to be successful for the rest of the patient's life.  Low level laser therapy also seems to be successful at stimulating the hair follicles to begin to produce new hairs again.

You can also find herbal remedies touted as baldness treatments like saw palmetto, but these are not as widely studied as those approved by the FDA and administered by a doctor.  To make sure you're using safer treatments, you will want to check with your physician to see what they recommend and then follow the advice completely.  It could lead to a whole new you.