Main Cause Of Hair Loss In Men

About 95 percent of balding men suffer from a genetic condition called male-pattern baldness. This hereditary condition strikes men in their 20s and 30s and is the main cause of hair loss in men and women. Men account for the majority of genetic hair-loss cases. The age, pattern and speed of loss depend primarily on the genetics passed down by both parents. Depending on their inheritance, some men begin to lose hair early in life and others start losing hair in midlife.

Appearance

A receding hairline is the hallmark of male-pattern baldness. Thinning in the crown associates with the receding hairline phenomenon also known as a widow's peak. Eventually, the hair becomes so diffuse and sparse that one can see clear through to the scalp. Men in advanced stages go completely bald on top of their heads, but retain a horseshoe ring of hair around the base of their heads.

Cause

Male-pattern baldness is caused by a buildup of Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, in the scalp. Heredity predisposes a person to this condition. A byproduct of the male hormone testosterone, DHT prevents vitamins, minerals and proteins from reaching the dermal papilla, a structure in the hair follicle that is responsible for hair growth. Without nutrients, the dermal papilla produces hair at a slower rate. A slower growth rate causes one of two things: a shortened growing phase or an extended resting phase. Regardless, the result is the same. The amount of new hairs grown does not outnumber the amount of hairs shed. DHT also shrinks hair follicles, resulting in finer, more brittle hair. Eventually follicles shrink to the point that further growth is impossible.

Genetics

Both parents pass along the gene that causes male-pattern baldness. While girls inherit the trait along with the boys, boys possess more male-hormone receptors in their hair follicles, making them more susceptible to genetic hair loss.

Treatment

According to Mayo Clinic, treatment options for male-pattern hair loss include topical treatments such as Minoxidil and Finasteride. All topical treatments seek to lessen the amount of DHT present in the scalp. Most men report a slowing or halting in the progression of their hair loss after using these treatments. Some even report that they are able to grow new hair. Unfortunately, topical treatments do not work miracles. Once stopped, hair loss continues and progresses as if treatment never happened.
Surgical treatments have greater success. This treatment option involves transplanting hair that is unaffected by DHT into affected areas. This treatment is considered permanent. However, it can take several surgeries to restore a head of hair.

Prevention

As of June 2010, no known cure or preventative measure for genetic baldness exists. However, some may be able to slow the progression of hair loss by seeking treatment and looking for an underlying cause, if any, for their hair loss. There is a chance that hair loss may be attributed to a treatable and reversible medical condition.