subject: Causes And Triggers Of Baldness In Men [print this page] Causes And Triggers Of Baldness In Men Causes And Triggers Of Baldness In Men
Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is certainly the most common of causes associated with thinning hair. This type of baldness is caused by male hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT on follicles which are sensitive to the hormone. This form of hair loss is inherited and can be passed from either the male or female side of the family, although the androgen receptor gene (AR) on the x chromosome of the female has been shown to have a larger impact.
DHT causes thinning of the hair through the shortening of growth leading to the decreased size of the follicles and thinner strands. Eventually, they cease to grow completely. This is why medications which treat baldness do not cause hair to grow again once the area is bald but only work in areas where hair loss has begun.
Androgenetic hair loss is caused primarily by three factors, namely hormones, age, and genes.
Hormones.
The primary sex hormone in males is testosterone, which is responsible for masculine development including the deepening of the voice, growth of pubic hair, as well as the production of the sperm and of the sex drive. Testosterone, along with DHT, is responsible for the reduction and death of hair follicles as well.
DHT binds to receptors on hair follicle cells, leading to certain changes which cause the thinning of the hair. The hormone serves to decrease the hair growing cycle and increases the resting phase, leading to the shrinkage of the hair shafts. DHT also leads to hairline reshaping, acne, and enlargement of the prostate.
Genetics.
Male pattern baldness does not occur without genetic predisposition. However, this does not mean that genes which code for thinning hair will lead to male hair loss. The expression of genes depends upon a variety of factors including hormones and age although other factors such as stress can impact thinning hair as well.
As of yet, none of the genes which affect male hair loss have been identified. This indicates that genetic engineering which would prevent the onset of balding is still not in the foreseeable future.
Age.
The age at which balding begins depends on a variety of factors including genetics as well as the testosterone level in the blood. In addition, thinning hair is not linear with age. The majority of persons experience hair loss in cycles, meaning that there are periods of rapid hair growth followed by periods of loss. However, with the progression of time, the rate of balding will eventually exceed that of hair growth. Even in individuals who are not genetically predisposed to baldness, hairs shafts may begin to shrink with age.
There are many factors that affect hair loss, but understanding these can help stop the process and resolve it.
