Hair loss and thinning in men

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is considered the most common form of hair loss in men. More than 70% of men experience hair loss sooner or later in life.

Hair loss in men is usually hereditary

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is considered the most common form of hair loss in men. More than 70% of men experience hair loss sooner or later in life. Hair loss in men cannot be stopped, but it can be slowed down and regrowth can occur if the condition is treated in time.

By far the most common cause of hair loss in men is genetic. Some people have encoded in their genes that hair loss should start at a young age, while others have retained most of their hair by the age of 70.

Regardless, male pattern baldness is a natural process but there are very good possibilities for treatment if it is started in time. The hormone DHT and its genetic attributes are the underlying cause of hereditary hair loss.

DHT – The male hormone that causes thinning hair

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a steroid hormone that is stronger than testosterone. The hormone is key to the growth of body and facial hair on men and is essential for men to reach sexual maturity.

Later in life, DHT has a negative effect on hair by attacking the hair follicles and causing them to shrink. The longer the hair follicle is exposed to DHT, the more diminished it becomes. This is the most common cause of male pattern baldness.

DHT also shortens the growth phase of hair over the years, which means that each strand of hair has a shorter life span. This causes the hairs to become thinner and shorter, as well as decreasing in number. These factors together contribute to a noticeable thinning of the hair

How does DHT work?

DHT is created in the body when an enzyme called alpha-5-reductase reacts with testosterone, a hormone we all, but especially men, carry. At a certain age, DHT begins to attack hair follicles, causing them to shrink.

Eventually, the hair follicle can no longer produce hairs and is then put into dormancy. 3-6 months after the resting phase has started, the hair follicle dies.

DHT also shortens the lifespan of hair over the years.

PRP and PRF involve injecting blood plasma from your own blood into the scalp. The natural growth factors in the plasma stimulate the stem cells around your hair follicles. The hair follicles widen and can thus produce stronger and thicker hairs.
Treatment is most effective when started early – before the hair follicle has died.

The Symptoms

Male pattern baldness is so named due to its pattern-like appearance. It usually begins with a receding of the hairline, often resulting in a large widow’s peak, which is the V-shaped curve that recedes back towards the top of the head. And usually followed by a gradual thinning on the crown of the head. When these two balding areas join, it can produce a horseshoe shape, and some cases lead to complete baldness.

Symptoms of male hair loss may include:

Patchy or circular bald spots
Thinning at the top of the head
Receding hairline
Increasingly prominent widow’s peak
Full-body hair loss

In addition to genetics, other factors such as age, hormones, and stress can also contribute to male-pattern baldness. It is important to note that male-pattern baldness is not a sign of poor health but rather a natural part of the ageing process. While there is no cure for male-pattern baldness, there are treatments available to help slow down the process and improve the appearance of the hair.

The difference between male and female hair loss

Hair loss in men

Hereditary hair loss in men starts in the temples and the hairlinecreeps upwards.

The hair also becomes thinner or completely bald at the crown. More than 70% of men suffer from hereditary hair loss sooner or later in life.

Hair loss in women

Hereditary hair loss in women starts in the temples and the hairlinecreeps upwards.

The hair also becomes thinner or completely bald at the crown. More than 70% of men suffer from hereditary hair loss sooner or later in life.

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What treatments can help with hair loss?

Environmental Factors and Hair Loss in Men

Environmental factors such as air pollution, chemicals, and UV radiation from the sun can damage the hair and lead to hair loss. Pollution and chemicals can weaken the hair and make it more prone to breakage. UV rays from the sun also damage the hair follicles and can cause them to shrink, leading to hair loss.

In addition to environmental factors, lifestyle choices can also contribute to hair loss in men. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating a poor diet can all lead to hair loss. Stress can also be a factor, as it can cause the body to produce hormones that can damage hair follicles. Finally, certain medications can also cause hair loss, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you are concerned about this.

Stress and Hair Loss in Men

Stress can also be a factor in causing baldness in men. Stress causes the body to produce hormones such as cortisol which can cause the hair follicles to shrink and lead to hair loss. Prolonged and intense levels of stress over time can also cause inflammation in the scalp which can damage hair follicles.

In addition to the physical effects of stress on hair follicles, psychological stress can also lead to hair loss. When a person is under a great deal of stress, they may develop trichotillomania, a condition in which they compulsively pull out their own hair. This can lead to bald patches and further hair loss.

Medications That Can Cause Baldness

Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and arthritis, can cause baldness in men. These medications can interfere with the normal functioning of the hair follicles and cause them to shrink, leading to hair loss.
In addition to medications, other factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and genetics can also contribute to hair loss. It is important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, as they can help you determine the cause and provide treatment options.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Prevent Baldness

Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep can help prevent baldness. Smoking reduces circulation in the scalp, which leads to weakened hair follicles which can lead to hair loss.
Reducing stress levels helps keep hormone levels balanced, which helps prevent baldness. Getting enough sleep helps keep cortisol levels from getting too high, which can lead to hair loss.

In addition to lifestyle changes, eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can help prevent baldness. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E can help promote healthy hair growth. Foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and nuts are all great sources of these vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, drinking plenty of water helps keep the scalp hydrated and can help prevent hair loss.