5 Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men

By | September 24, 2018

If you’re suffering from hair loss and don’t know where to go, try to work out what’s at the root of the problem first.

Losing hair can be a distressing time for a lot of men. When the first signs of hair loss start to appear, a lot of men end up going into panic mode and might assume that there’s nothing that can be done to reverse the situation. While unfortunately, in some cases, the situation is irreversible, it’s important to understand what is causing the hair loss in the first place to see what the proper course of action should be. Here are some of the most common causes of hair loss in men.

Genetics

Genetics will have a huge effect on whether you start developing male pattern baldness. The signs usually start at the temple level, where the hairline slowly starts receding over time. It will then usually start showing signs around the crown and the mid-frontal area.

Hormonal Activity

Sexual hormones also have a huge effect on your hair. Males have certain hormones in their bodies that will transform their testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT for short. High levels of DHT cause hair follicles to shrink which means healthy hair is unlikely to survive for long. The amount of DHT will depend largely on genetics, but it is still unknown whether enzyme production comes from the mother or father’s genes. It is also believed that certain populations naturally produce less of the enzyme, which explains why male pattern baldness is more prominent among certain groups.

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Stress

Stress can also be a cause for hair loss in men. However, in this case, the good news is that it’s usually only temporary and can be reversed.

Stress-related hair loss usually falls into three categories. Alopecia Areata is when clumps of hair suddenly fall out due to stress. Telogen Effluvium, which is related to Alopecia Areata, is when you lose more hair than you would normally if you had regular male pattern baldness. And Trichotillomania is a condition that can be triggered by anxiety and stress that occurs when men pull out their hair without noticing.

Diet and Sleep

Your lifestyle choices could also be behind your hair loss. The quality of your sleep and your diet can have a dramatic effect on the quality of your hair. Poor nutrition will eventually lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can show up in the form of male pattern baldness. Good sleep is also essential, as it allows your body to repair. And sleep deprivation can also lead to higher stress levels, which is a contributing factor as well.

Age

Age is also one of the most prominent factors when it comes to balding. You have about a 20% chance of losing your hair during your 20s and a 30% chance during your 30s, so the older you get, the more chance you have of signs of baldness presenting themselves. However, by the time you reach your forties, the hair loss should be stable and won’t be at the same rate as when you were younger.

If you’re suffering from hair loss and don’t know where to go, try to work out what’s at the root of the problem first. Then you can start evaluating your options to see if you should consult a professional.

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This content is sponsored by Emily Roberts.

Photo: Getty Images

The Good Men Project