The prostate gland is ,in fact, made up of a cluster of smaller glands which surround the urethra and is physically located immediately below the bladder. This is only found in males, and it is not necessary at this stage to describe the detail of its function.

In quite a lot of cases, the gland becomes enlarged, and can in fact, become cancerous. There can also be a noncancerous enlargement and this is identified as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which was mentioned in an earlier article controls the division of cells within the prostate gland, and under normal circumstances is expelled by the prostate. There are times however, when the prostate gland will fail to expel the DHT and this will result in a buildup and in turn cause enlargement of the gland.

The typical North American and also the northern European diets certainly lend themselves to the continuance of BHP, and prostate cancer. This phenomena is almost unknown in other parts of the world. The significance of these factors should be noted - BPH and prostate cancer are caused by the overproduction of DHT and the same factor causes Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or androgenetic alopecia. There has been quite a lot of research done to try and find a cure for BPH (prostatic hyperplasia) and this has on a number of occasions resulted in simultaneous benefits in hair growth.

It is probably stating the obvious, but a lot of these conditions can be avoided, and a general improvement in overall health attained simply by making the necessary changes to the diet.

Let's now take a look at some of the more common myths surrounding hair loss which have been perpetuated over the ages. Fortunately, a lot of them have been dispelled as a result of medical research, and the consequent broadening of people's knowledge of the subject.

It is generally accepted that androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness is genetic and is consequently hereditary. There is no truth however, in the statement that it is only applicable to the mother's side of the family. Any predisposition to genetic hair loss, definitely applies to both sides of the family.

The other old wive's tale that should be dispelled is that wearing a hat has anything at all to do with hair loss.

There is an increasing tendency in the community for general hair loss to be commonly referred to as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). This is actually quite incorrect, as females suffer a similar disorder, and so it should be more accurately described as androgenetic alopecia.

Hair loss, could never be described as life-threatening in any way, but it can cause quite serious problems and can certainly have a detrimental effect on the affected persons psyche and self-confidence.

To date, no cure has been found for hair loss, and as stated earlier, many of the factors surrounding hair loss are hereditary. However, having said that, it must be emphasised that there are any number of things the affected person can do to maintain healthy hair and scalp.