Q&A: Is Sex Related to Baldness?

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Question: Is sex related to bald condition?

Answer: There are two ways to interpret this question so we will give you answers for both!

Firstly, if your question refers to whether an active sex life can cause hair loss, you will be pleased to know that the two are not linked. If you want to know more about this, please read the articles below (if you have time to that is!).

Alternatively, if you are referring to whether or not gender can make a difference to hair loss, then the answer is that hair loss can affect both sexes but is more common among men (affecting up to 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women at some point in their lives). However, baldness is usually a feature of male pattern baldness, a genetic condition caused by the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which inhibits the growth of new hair cells which in turn leads to hair loss and, for some men, baldness.

On the other hand, female pattern hair loss, while also genetic, usually starts to present itself as thinning hair. Other types of hair loss in women can develop as a result of a multitude of factors (lifestyle, diet, stress, hormones, pregnancy, overstyling of the hair). These include Telogen Effluvium (hair loss bought on by a sudden event that causes the hair follicle to move from growth phase to resting phase) and Diffuse Hair Loss (hair loss brought on by internal factors other than genetics).

However women do sometimes suffer baldness as a result of genetic hair loss and also as a consequence of  Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disease which leads to partial or total hair loss. With the latter condition, in up to 70% of cases, the hair will regrow of its own accord, however for some of those men, women and children with the condition, the hair does not regrow. As with most types of hair loss, hair loss treatments may help in these situations.

If you are noticing thinning hair or bald patches, it is recommended you see a hair specialist for a diagnosis and advice on treatment. The Belgravia Centre offers free consultations. To book an appointment, please call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, complete the online diagnosic form and a treatment advisor will be in touch.

Further Reading:
The Truth About Sex, Masturbation and Hair Loss
Is Masturbation Causing My Hair Loss?
The Balding Process - How Far Will It Go?