Not all of the hair on your head is growing at all times. The American Academy of Family Physicians says that approximately 10 percent of hair is resting at any given time, and that this hair falls out after a few months. This is normal hair loss. Excessive or noticeable hair loss in men is different from normal hair loss. Determining the cause of excessive hair loss is essential to designing the correct treatment plan.
Androgenic Alopecia
The American Hair Loss Association says most cases of hair loss in men are due to genetics. Genetic male hair loss is called androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. Men who develop androgenic alopecia have hair follicles that are more sensitive to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, than other men. DHT levels increase with age, causing hair follicles to shrink and die more rapidly than non-sensitive follicles. With time, the follicles shut down and cease hair production. Androgenic alopecia affects an estimated 85 percent of men older than 50.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium occurs when the number of hair follicles growing hair changes, usually due to a significant shock to the body. Being in an accident, giving birth, undergoing vaccination or suffering from a sudden medical event such as a heart attack can all cause telogen effluvium. Nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress and certain medications are other less common causes. In nearly all cases, the hair resumes growing once the physical stressor has passed. Telogen effluvium is the second-leading cause of hair loss in men, according to the American Hair Loss Association.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata, the third-most common cause of hair loss, affects about 2 percent of the population. Although the exact cause of the condition isn't known, it may be a type of autoimmune disorder that causes the body's own immune system to attack hair follicles. Most people with alopecia areata experience a full recovery within two years, with or without treatment. But nearly one-third of sufferers experience persistent or recurrent hair loss.
Other Possible Causes
Hormonal problems such as an underactive or overactive thyroid gland and some medical conditions--including diabetes and lupus--may cause hair to fall out. Because of this, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests seeking medical attention for any new or unexplained hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes itchy, red, scaly patches to develop on the scalp. In severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis causes loss of hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. Folliculitis, or inflammation of the hair follicles, may cause permanent hair loss if not treated. Most cases of folliculitis are caused by a bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Fungal infections and certain genetic defects are other possible causes of hair loss in men.
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