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Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Although there are many causes of hair loss in men, most are due to androgenic alopecia (AGA) or Male Pattern Baldness. MPB accounts for approximately 95% of all hair loss among males. It's believed to be caused by a combination of three factors:
    - Age
    - Heredity
    - Testosterone (male hormone)

Men over 50 and postmenopausal women experience some degree of androgenetic alopecia. In men hair loss usually occurs at the front and at the vertex of the scalp. In women with AGA, hair loss is not as localized.

Androgenic Alopecia or Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)

Signs and Symptoms
- Receding hairline
- Moderate to extensive loss of hair, especially on the crown

Male Pattern Baldness is the hair loss most frequently encountered. It usually starts with the hair at the temples, which gradually recedes to form an "M" shape. Hair becomes finer and does not grow as long as it once did. At the same time or later, hair loss exposes the crown of the head. As the condition progresses, the point of the "M" continues to recede, while the bald spot at the crown widens.

Eventually, the thinning crown and receding point may meet. Over time, you are left with a horse-shoe pattern of hair around the sides of your head. Any remaining hair in the balding areas usually manifests some miniaturization - it is thinner and grows at a below-normal rate, changing from long, thick, coarse, pigmented hair into fine, unpigmented sprouts.

A receding hairline reflects age, but not necessarily great age, since some men start balding quite young. With the spurt in androgen secretion at puberty, the hairline moves back a little in 96 per cent of boys and 80 per cent of girls. Most boys continue to shed hair as they mature and, if baldness runs in the family, lose increasing amounts.

By age 35 to 40, two thirds of Caucasian men are noticeably bald. The loss may begin at age 20, then stop, only to start up again a few years later. Since this type of baldness is largely hereditary, a man can usually, although not always, predict the extent of his future baldness by examining family portraits. About 50 per cent of children with a balding parent of either sex will inherit the dominant baldness gene.

Research shows that a male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a derivative of testosterone produced from testosterone by an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase, plays a vital role in hair loss in men. Hair follicles at the top and front of heads as well as temples are particularly sensitive to DHT. Genetically sensitive hair follicles shrink when exposed to DHT. As the follicles become smaller, the hair growing Anagen phase shortens and the resting Catagen and Telogen phases lengthen. The hair becomes increasingly thinner, shorter and less deeply rooted. Eventually, hair growth stops.

Other Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Although Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) among adult males is most noticeable and widespread, people of all ages and both sexes may experience hair loss problems due to any of a variety of causes.

Alopecia areata, a condition in which hair comes out by the roots in one or more spots, is much less common than MPB. It generally strikes first during childhood or early adulthood. Sometimes called patchy baldness, Alopecia Areata may clear up on its own or progress to the point where the person loses all scalp hair (Alopecia Totalis), or even body hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows (Alopecia Universalis).

Although the exact cause is not known, some experts believe Alopecia Areata may involve an immunological disorder, which causes the body to produce antibodies that attack the hair follicles. Other evidence suggests that Alopecia Areata may be in some cases, a hereditary condition.

Hair loss may also be caused by seborrhoea, scalp infections, nutritional inadequacy or deficiency, systemic illness, fever, severe stress, etc.

You should always consult your doctor if you are concerned about excessive hair loss and baldness.

Causes of Hair Loss in Men

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