Causes of Male Hair Loss

Before looking to address any hair loss issues you may have, it is important to understand the cause of the problem. Here we look at the various causes of male hair loss.

The most common type of male hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia or male pattern baldness, and is a genetic condition. Those predisposed to hair loss have a variant form of the male hormones called androgens.

The most famous androgen is called testosterone, and it is this hormone which is affected in those predisposed to male pattern baldness. In these men, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase automatically converts testosterone into the more potent androgen Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This new androgen then attaches itself to the hair follicles; stifling the creation of new hair cells and their growth with each cycle. Eventually the hair follicles begin to shrink and finally become dysfunctional, resulting in thinning hair and in many cases baldness.

The genetic link between male pattern baldness and testosterone is thought
to be one of the key reasons why these symptoms usually manifest themselves between the ages of 18 and 35, when male testosterone levels are at their highest. Successful hair loss treatments work by either blocking the formation of DHT or increasing the supply of blood and nutrients to the affected areas.

There are also several environmental causes of male hair loss. Alopecia Areata is one of the most well-known conditions, where hair suddenly falls out in patches as numerous follicles quickly enter a premature resting phase. Alopecia is relatively common, and can affect up to one in every thousand people across the course of their life. The condition is characterised as an autoimmune disorder, but it is believed that in some cases it may have an environmental trigger, including extreme stress, shock or trauma. It may also be triggered by an adverse reaction to chemicals or allergies.

In severe cases, Alopecia Areata can result in almost total baldness, at which point it is reclassified as Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis.

Medical conditions can also have an adverse effect on hair, causing hair loss and baldness, although in these cases the effect is often temporary and hair growth recommences once the condition is cured. In certain cases, male hair loss can be a sign of an iron deficiency or lupus. It is also a well-documented side effect of chemotherapy treatments for those suffering from cancer.

For men experiencing hair loss, the good news is that almost all these conditions can be treated to prohibit hair loss and encourage re-growth. The trick is in identifying the underlying cause correctly so that speedy and effective treatment can be administered. As soon as you notice these early signifiers contact Belgravia for a free consultation to begin the process of preventing hair loss. You can even fill out an online diagnostic form for a programme that allows you to treat yourself at home.