Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is quite obvious, characterised by a receding hairline and hair loss on the top and front of the head. More than 50 percent of all men over the age of 50 will be affected by male pattern baldness to some extent.
WHAT CAUSES MEN’S PATTERN HAIR LOSS?
GENETICS
Large scale genetic studies have shown that DNA plays a big part in determining whether men’s pattern hair loss will develop. One of the well-known genes related to hair loss is the AR gene which codes for the androgen receptor protein. Along with other functions, this protein helps hair follicle cells detect androgen hormones (like testosterone) that circulate through the body. Testosterone and other androgens can affect when, where, and how much a person’s hair grows.
Each hair on your head has a growth cycle. With male pattern baldness, this growth cycle begins to weaken and the hair follicle shrinks, producing shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, the growth cycle for each hair ends and no new hair grows in its place. This produces a bald spot on your head.
ILLNESS
Inherited male pattern baldness usually have no side effects. However, in certain cases, baldness may have more serious causes, such as certain cancers, medications, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids. Health conditions may also be the cause of baldness when a rash, redness, pain, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patchy hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss accompanies the hair loss.