Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, happens to be one of the major male baldness causes. More than 50 percent of all men over the age of 50 are affected by male pattern baldness to some extent.
Male-pattern baldness is indeed a prevalent form of hair loss that affects several men worldwide. Genetic factors do play a major role in male pattern baldness. It is acknowledged that certain genes inherited from both parents contribute to the likelihood of experiencing hair loss. This condition is commonly passed down via generations, thus making it more prevalent in some families as compared to others.
Hormonal imbalance, particularly an excess of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is considered to be a key factor in male pattern baldness. DHT is a hormone that is derived from testosterone and can bind to hair follicles, thus causing them to shrink and even produce thinner and shorter hair strands. This hormonal imbalance can indeed disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and also lead to hair loss.
Male baldness progresses in distinct stages, starting with a receding hairline and eventually leading to complete baldness. The characteristic patterns of hair loss can, of course, vary, but recognizing the common symptoms is no doubt important for early intervention. These symptoms can include a receding hairline, a thinning crown, and noticeable hair shedding.
Male Baldness Causes
Male pattern baldness can be caused by genetics or having a family history of baldness. Research has shown that male pattern baldness is linked with male sex hormones known as androgens. The androgens do have several functions, including regulating hair growth.
Each hair on one’s head has a growth cycle. With male pattern baldness, this growth cycle does begin to weaken, and the hair follicle tends to shrink, thus producing shorter and finer strands of hair. Finally, the growth cycle for each hair does end, and no new hair grows in its place.
Inherited male pattern baldness usually, of course, has no side effects. Yet, at times, baldness can have severe causes, like certain cancers, medications, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids. Consult the doctor if hair loss does occur after taking new medications or is accompanied by other health complaints.
Health conditions can be a cause of baldness when a rash, redness, pain, peeling of one’s scalp, hair breakage, patchy hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss accompanies the hair loss. A skin biopsy and blood tests can also be necessary to diagnose disorders responsible for hair loss.
Who is at risk?
Male pattern baldness can begin in one’s teenage years, but it commonly occurs in adult men with a higher chance of aging. Genetics also plays a major role. Men who have close relatives with male-pattern baldness are also at high risk of developing baldness. This is so when their relatives are on the maternal side of the family.
Counseling
Going bald can prove to be of major concern to the affected person as it brings about facial changes. The person may have issues accepting the changes in appearance. Seeking counseling helps if you are faced with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, or other emotional problems due to male pattern baldness.
Can hair loss be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent male-pattern baldness. A theory is that stress can cause hair loss by increasing the production levels of sex hormones in one’s body. The person can reduce stress by participating in relaxing activities like walking, listening to calming music, and also enjoying more quiet time.
Conclusion
Fortunately, there are various treatment solutions available to manage male pattern baldness and thus be able to cope with male baldness causes. Medications like minoxidil and finasteride can help slow down hair loss and also promote regrowth. In more advanced cases, hair transplant surgery can be an option to restore hair in areas of significant baldness. Other therapies, like laser therapy and scalp micro-needling, can also be thought of.
