Premature Hair Loss – Why Does it Happen?
It has long been recognised that hair loss is usually hereditary, but it is obvious that previous generations of balding family members can’t be used as a blueprint to one’s own hairline. There are quite a few other factors that influence hair growth, and with premature hair loss becoming more apparent in younger men, it’s about time they found out how come.
We’ll skip the introduction to and the main reasons for male pattern baldness, because pertinent here is the reason for premature balding. Statistics show that 70% of the 8 in 10 men who have a genetic predisposition to hair loss start thinning before the age of 30, but many things can be influential to the timing. Prince Charles wasn’t spotted with a bald spot until he was well into his 30s, but his son Prince William was little more than a teenager when the press pounced on his thinning pate. So let’s run over some of the things that can trigger the genetic trait and lead to premature hair loss.
Puberty
Genetics account for at least 46% of the timing of puberty but, like hair loss, things like nutrition, physical activity, chemicals and stress also play a part. A receding hairline is becoming a common feature of many young men, and a potential trigger of the early onset of hair loss is the hormonal changes that occur during puberty.
Smoking
Studies have indicated that the carcinogenic effects of smoking may be a factor associated with early-onset hair loss. The carbon monoxide in smoke decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, leading to constriction of blood vessels and decreased blood flow to the scalp and possibly, if there is a genetic susceptibility, impaired hair growth.
Illicit Drug Use
There have been no large scale clinical studies connecting illicit drug use to hair loss, however there is good reason to believe that there is a link. Taking recreational drugs causes a significant rise in adrenalin levels, affecting the body in many ways including the hair growth cycle. A number of hair follicles could prematurely stop growing and lead to excessive hair fall. It is also possible that hair loss could be a secondary effect as malnutrition is often associated with illicit drug use. Without essential vitamins and minerals reaching the hair follicles, they could become weaker and result in diffuse hair thinning.
Health Issues and Medications
Many medications can result in premature hair loss and most of them list it as a side effect. Chemotherapy is the most obvious medical treatment that causes temporary premature hair loss, but others, such as antidepressants and those used for mood disorders and seizures can also affect hair growth. Thyroid disorders in which there are insufficient or excessive amounts of the thyroid hormones in the body are known to cause hair loss. Malnutrition and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where young men aren’t getting or can’t absorb necessary vitamins and minerals, may affect hair growth and result in premature hair loss. There are other medical reasons that may be a factor, and if you are concerned you should approach your doctor.
Male pattern baldness is essentially caused by genetics, but there are a number of reasons why it may occur prematurely. Young men may be able to avoid early-onset hair loss by being aware of the factors that can trigger the condition, but it is likely to present itself eventually. However when it does, there are clinically proven hair loss treatments that work to keep the loss under control and the hair follicles stimulated.
For more information, contact The Belgravia Centre on 020 7730 6666 or message the centre and arrange a free consultation. If you can’t make it to the centre, there is an online consultation facility that aims to provide expert and personalised information, advice and treatment to those in need of an effective hair loss solution.
More Information:
Hair Loss Success Stories
Hair Loss Products
What is Premature Balding?
Interesting Articles:
The Norwood Scale – How Bald Am I?
A Man’s Confidence During Hair Loss
Hair Loss Becoming More Prevalent in Young Men
