Causes for Hair Loss in Men
Before looking at the different ways to treat hair loss in
men, it is important to first understand why this happens. There are many
different causes for hair loss in both women and men, though some of them might
be a little different for men.
Once you become familiar with where the hair loss is coming
from, you will be able to determine the best course of action for treating it.
Male Pattern Baldness
The first common cause of hair loss in men, and one of the
most common, is called male pattern baldness. You might have heard of this as
androgenetic alopecia instead, which is its more scientific term. Male pattern
baldness is something you can inherit, so it isn’t much you can do about
preventing it from occurring.
While scientists and doctors know it is genetic, they
aren’t sure exactly why it is inherited or how. Not every son or grandson of a
man with male pattern baldness is going to end up with this condition. However,
if you do have a close family member with this condition, you should be aware
that you might get it and take extra precautions to treat signs of hair loss as
early as possible.
Medical Causes
Other common causes for hair loss in men are similar to
hair loss in women, which include a number of different medical conditions.
This includes having a thyroid condition like hypothyroidism, anemia caused by
an iron deficiency, and lack of other nutrients like protein and zinc.
If you have recently started a big crash diet for weight
loss, which can also cause some hair loss. Similarly, certain drugs you are
prescribed may lead to more hair loss, including drugs for:
- High blood pressure
-
Depression or anxiety
-
Cancer
-
Arthritis
-
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Infections
Another medical cause for hair loss in men is a type of
infection that might affect the scalp. Particularly, infections like ringworm
can cause hair loss. If you have round, scaly patches with hair loss on your
head, it could be from alopecia, but it also might be a sign of ringworm. This
is definitely something to talk to your doctor about. The good news here is
that if it is from the infection, it is treatable and your hair should grow
back.
Major Life Changes
When you experience a big and sudden life change, it can be
traumatic for your body, including your hair. This often leads to a high amount
of stress, which is a very big trigger for hair loss and lack of new hair
growth. Think about big stresses like being in trauma or car accident, having
major surgery, going through a serious illness, or going through a divorce or
issues with other family members.
Immune System Issues
Also, consider the implications of your immune system and
how it affects hair loss and hair growth. This is where alopecia areata comes
in, which is another major cause of hair loss. With alopecia, you tend to lose
hair in quarter size and shape patches on your head. They can be in random
spots on your head, such as on the sides, top, front, or back of your head.
This may also be treatable, so definitely discuss it with your doctor.
Alopecia is caused by your immune system turning around and
attacking your hair follicles in these areas, which is when hair loss
typically occurs.
There may be some other myths for the causes of hair loss,
like wearing ball caps for too long, but most of them cannot be proven.
Instead, look at more medical or lifestyle causes that may be responsible for
your hair loss.

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