Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a hormone that is responsible for the majority of cases of balding among men and women. The DHT that causes Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and Female Pattern Baldness (FPB) can be stopped by using a number of products or by means of surgery.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a hair loss medication that comes in tablets and a foam or liquid. The foam or liquid treatment comes in 2% and 5% solutions. It significantly slows the rate of hair loss and, in some instances, re-grows hair. Use it twice a day to prevent further hair loss and stop DHT.

Finasteride (Propecia)

The medication Finasteride is a prescription treatment that stops the progression of MPB. Taken in pill form, the medicine stops DHT from attacking the hair follicles and helps in establishing re-growth.

Implant Surgery

If you're in the initial stages of hair loss and have a healthy amount of hair at the sides and back of the head, you may be a candidate for implant surgery. DHT does not attack the hair below the temples at the side or at the back of the head; therefore, grafts can be taken from these areas and implanted in areas of thinning on the crown to stop the progression of DHT.

Natural Remedies

Natural shampoos or hair formulations containing saw palmetto, green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), L-Arginine, Vitamin B6, Proanthyocyanidins/Procyanidins and Biotin are are effective ingredients in the treatment of hair loss. Saw palmetto has been proven to be the most helpful natural ingredient in reducing the formation of DHT and minimizing hair loss.

Source:

"Hinder Hair Loss: How Does DHT (dihydrotestosterone) Stop Hair Growth"

"Hair, Nails and Mucous Membranes: Selected Diseases of the Scalp"

"MedicineNet.com: Medications and Drugs"

More Information:

"Livestrong: Male Pattern Baldness"

"eHow: How Does Male Pattern Baldness Occur?"

"eHow: How to Treat Male Pattern Baldness"