What Are the Causes of Hair Loss in Men?
If your crown is thinning or your hairline is receding, you’re probably wondering if there’s an easy fix. Can we reverse the trend or is it an inevitable aspect of aging? There are causes of hair loss in men, so read on to learn how to keep that beautiful hair of yours.
Let’s talk about the reasons why men lose their hair. What are some of the treatments, when does it start, and what can be done to help slow the balding process?
At What Age Does Balding Start?
According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), close to 25 percent of males with the genetic disposition to hair loss begin losing their hair even before they’re 21. By 35, almost 66 percent have suffered some hair loss. By 50 years of age, almost 85 percent of men will have thinner hair.
Causes of Hair Loss in Men
Hair loss causes are either hereditary or nonhereditary. The common hereditary condition is called androgenetic alopecia, which is the medical term for male pattern baldness.
It’s the genetic sensitivity to DHT, a byproduct of testosterone. This is to blame for 95 percent of hair loss cases.
Other types of hair loss in men include Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, and nutritional deficiencies. Certain medications can cause hair loss as well, but the good news is, once they’re stopped, hair growth usually resumes as normal. These medications include (but are not limited to):
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Voriconazole
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Immunosuppressants
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
The best thing to do is talk to your doctor about the likelihood of your medication(s) causing hair loss. They may have an alternative hair loss treatment that would be better in this regard. Never stop taking a prescribed drug without consulting your doctor.
Treatments for Hair Loss
Causes of hair loss in men run the gamut, and so do the hair loss solutions. They range from topical to surgical.
It all depends on what you’re willing to try and what type of hair loss you’re experiencing. Popular treatments include micropigmentation, medications, hair transplant surgery, and laser treatment.
Hair Loss Prevention
If your hair loss is hereditary, it will be very difficult to stop nonsurgically. But if you catch it at the first sign of thinning, you have a good chance of slowing it down or stopping hair loss. You can do this with medications such as Rogaine or Finasteride.
If it’s being caused by a non-hereditary condition, there are other things you can try.
If you smoke cigarettes, quit as soon as possible to eliminate this factor as a cause. Manage your stress and eat a healthy diet. Try scalp massages to stimulate the hair follicles.
Be Proactive
If you see men your age with full heads of hair, it most likely runs in their family. Learn more about the causes of hair loss in men and improve your confidence. Your receding hairline is nothing out of the ordinary, but being proactive in your approach and living a healthy lifestyle can help.
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