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Causes of Hair loss in Men

AK Clinics | April, 28 2012 | 0 Comments

Male hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. In the past, baldness was often seen as something unfortunate or undesirable. However, with the latest understanding of the process of hair loss, newer treatments are now available for these patients which has improved the outcome for these people. Male pattern baldness occurs in a distinct way in which hair may start to disappear in the form of receding hairline or from the temples and the crown of the head at any time.

This process may start as early as the later teenage years, but for most it happens in their late 20s and early 30s. It is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens) in certain parts of the scalp, and is passed on from generation to generation. A little thinning may be noticeable first, followed by wider hair loss allowing more of the scalp to become visible. Some men aren’t troubled by this process at all. Others, however, suffer great emotional distress associated with a lack of self-confidence and sometimes depression.

What is Male Pattern Baldness?

causesMale pattern is also called Androgenic Alopecia for a reason. It’s the result of Hormones (Androgens) and a Genetic Predisposition. “Andro-Genetic”. Simply you can say you’re losing hair because you are genetically predisposed to. Your follicles have been programmed to become sensitive to the changing hormonal activity in your scalp. Put another way, certain follicles become sensitive to your naturally occurring hormones, and the body begins to slowly reject them. These men in the frontal and crown areas on the scalp have increased sensitivity to the male sex hormones that circulate in men’s blood. The hormones make the follicles – from which grows – shrink. Eventually, they become so small that they cannot replace lost hairs. The follicles are still alive, but are no longer able to perform their task. First, a receding hairline develops, and gradually the hair on top of the head also begins to thin. Eventually, the two balding areas meet to form a typical U-shape around the back and sides of the head. The hair that remains is often finer and does not grow as quickly as it used to.

DHT and Male Pattern Baldness

It’s starts with a genetic factor inherited from either parent coupled with other variables such as age. The stage of male pattern baldness begins with a signal to the follicle to start producing an enzyme known as ‘ 5-alpha reductase’. When this enzyme combines with the testosterone, it produces Di-hydro testosterone or DHT. When exposed to DHT, these genetically sensitive follicles shrink and get weakened. When this happens, the active hair follicles in specific areas begin to change and become smaller and less active, shrinking slightly with each new hair re-growth cycle. These hormones shrink the follicles from which the hair grows. Eventually, the follicles become so small that they cannot produce any hair. This effect of hormones creates pattern baldness. The follicles are still alive, but are no longer able to perform their task of holding and producing hair. This describes the stages of Male Pattern Baldness.

Other Causes

In male pattern baldness, which tends to be inherited, the hair is usually lost at the temples and the crown. It is frequently stated that “loss comes from the mother’s side of the family.” The truth is that baldness can be inherited from either parent. However, recent research suggests that the reasons for loss and balding may be a bit more complex than originally thought.

Other causes of hair loss, which may not follow this pattern, include:

•    Iron-deficiency anemia •    Under active thyroid •    Fungal scalp infection •    Some prescribed medicines •    Stress There are a number of causes of excessive or rapid hair loss. Many people experience dramatic levels of loss some weeks after major surgery or after illness. Baldness is generally regarded as natural, and not a disease. So if a person decides they wish to have their hair back, they will have to see the doctor for the quality treatments.

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