Hello, thanks for using health care magic. As you must have figured out, most cases of baldness is genetically determined and affects males. This type of baldness starts on both lateral sides of the forehead and move back and eventually meeting and forming a hoarse shoe appearance. Unfortunately, this type of baldness which is highly prevalent is less affected by environmental factors. several other conditions can cause loss of hear including; stress, hypothyrodism, steroids, hormones, poor nutrition etc. Characteristic male pattern baldness is diagnosed clinically due to its characteristic appearance where as other forms of hair loss might require testing and would appear as patchy hair loss. Some drugs have been made available to reduce hair loss and in some people promote hair growth. Unfortunately, hair loss resumes when such drugs are discontinued. They include Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Hope this helps you. Dr Achuo