Hair could be lost anytime during daily activities such as combing, brushing etc. but they are expected to grow back. However men over their lifetime begins to experience hair being lost without growing back. This occurs to over eighty percent of men around the world. The major cause of baldness in men is not something dangerous, it is a condition referred to as Male Pattern Baldness.
Male pattern baldness is also known as androgenetic alopecia and it is simply hair loss on scalp of men. It is the usually the result of changes in hormone levels as a man ages.
Though hair loss can also be caused by many other reasons, baldness is men is usually due to androgenetic alopecia. For easy understanding, the causes of baldness are broken down in this article.
Causes Of Baldness In Men
The three major causes of baldness in men are listed below:
1. Age
As some men grows, the male pattern baldness grows with them. With their increase in age comes the increase in the effect of other factors such as the next one.
2. Genetics
Male pattern baldness is generally not to be blamed on the individual. It is transfered through genes from parents to the person. For men who have history of early baldness in their family. The baldness could start from their late teens and continue to spread as they get older. If it starts very soon, it means the loss of hair will be very much.
3. Hormones
Changes in level of hormones as men grow and their genes dominate makes them loose hair. These first three factors are the major causes of male pattern baldness.
Other Causes Of Hair Loss or baldness
4. Health Conditions
Some rapid hair loss could be pointers to other health conditions which are not male pattern baldness. Health conditions like anemia and thyroid problems could cause hair loss.
5. Medical Processes and Medications
Some medical processes like chemotherapy or radiation, medications like blood thinners, anabolic steroids(which men take in order to aid their muscle building) and drugs which are high in vitamin A could be possible causes of hair loss.
6. Scalp And Skin Infections
Infections on the scalp could also cause loss of hair. An example of scalp condition is Psoriasis. Psoriasis is caused when there is overproduction of skin cells which shows as white flakes and are large. It damages the hair follicles and result to hair loss which is usually temporal. Another scalp infection could be seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition which is usually harmless, it is indicated by red patches which are small and often cause itchiness. The causes are inflammatory response by the scalp. Large patches of hair is usually lost. It is advisable to see the doctor immediately when you notice these conditions.
7. Hairstyles
Hairstyles like cornrows, braids, tight ponytails are not exempted. If they are kept for many years, they could cause hair loss.
8. Stress
Stress is also a cause of hair loss. It could sound strange but it is true. Telogen effluvium which is a type of loss of hair is found to be caused by intense emotional and physical stress. It appears suddenly, showing up as widespread thinning of the hair.
In most of these other causes apart from androgenetic alopecia, once the conditions causing them are treated, the hair could grow back.
Other Types Of Hair Loss
- Alopecia areata
It is also known as spot baldness, it makes the hair fall in smooth and round forms. It is caused when your body fights against itself, an autoimmune disease type. Hair lost in this condition grows back most times.
- Scarring alopecia disease
This is another type of hair loss. It happens rarely and when it does, the hair follicles are destroyed and scar tissues are formed in place of the hair follicles. Hair lost due to scarring alopecia do not grow back.
Some things that could increase the Chances Of Baldness or Hair Loss.
General male baldness is not a sign of any serious ailment, as explained earlier, it is mostly affected by genes, age and hormones. However, some diseases have been linked with it. Conditions like prostrate cancer, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes etc.
When it is noticed that the hair is falling out, it is important to check the pattern of the loss. If it is too rapid, it is important to talk to the doctor.
Click here to read ways which we can prevent hair loss or slow the effects. Stay tuned to our website and subscribe to receive our emails.
