subject: Male Pattern Hair Loss and its Causes [print this page] Men suffer from baldness at all agesMen suffer from baldness at all ages. More than one quarter of men in their 20's and 2/3rd of all men who have crossed the age of 60 suffer from hair loss. Men are affected socially as well as psychologically by hair loss. Baldness is a result of damaged or shrunken hair follicles. On an average , one follicle lives for about 5 years, out of which 4 years are spent growing. Testosterone is a hormone which is present in males. An enzyme 5 alpha reductase converts it in to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The follicles are affected adversely and the growth is slowed down, which leads to hair loss. The hair follicles are damaged and they are not replaced with new ones. Male pattern baldness is slow but irreversible in the later stages.
The Most common causes of hair loss in man
There are many factors, which cause excessive hair loss. Hormonal problems cause hair loss. Hair loss occurs when the thyroid gland is under active or overactive.
Genetics - Male pattern hair loss is caused by genetics in most cases. The genetics can pass on to you from one or both of your parents.
Drugs - Some medications also cause hair loss. This kind of hair loss can stop, when you discontinue those medicines. Anticoagulants, or blood thinners and medicines used for treating gout, high blood pressure, or heart problems, are known to cause hair loss.
Disease - Hair loss can be caused by certain diseases, but this happens rarely. If you think that a medication which you are taking is causing hair loss, then contact your doctor and take expert advice.
Stress - Many men testify stress as a cause of hair loss. It is healthy to maintain a good work life balance and reduce stress levels. You may also see a difference in your overall health.
Infections - Infections may cause hair loss amongst children. Hair loss may occur because of some major chronic illness, such as lupus or diabetes. If you experience hair loss, it is best to visit a doctor and get your problem diagnosed as soon as possible.
Types of medication for hair loss
If the cause of hair loss is stress or some type of medication, it will stop when its cause ends. But in case of hair loss due to infection, you may need oral antibiotics or antifungals to treat it. You can treat
Alopecia areata with injections such as triamcinolone into the affected area. The earlier you are in treating hair loss, the more successful you will be. You can also rub Rogaine directly on your scalp or use Propecia, a prescription hair loss medicine for men. Propecia is an oral drug, used for Hair loss treatment in men. It is an FDA approved drug. It blocks the conversion of testosterone in to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
