What is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness, scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is a very common condition, universally prevalent, which progresses with aging. It is the most common type of hair loss observed in men, related to the genes and male sex hormones. It usually follows a pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown. Each strand of hair grows in a tiny hole (cavity) in the skin called Follicle. In this condition, the factor contributes to the gradual shrinkage of the tiny cavity in the skin base of the hairs. The loss of scalp hair of any degree both in men and women is a cause of considerable psychological distress associated with a loss of self-esteem and feelings of diminished self-image, resulting in introversion and depression. Particularly among men, the very manifest of baldness is often a source of major psychological distress.
What are the causes of Male Pattern Baldness?
A person suffering from this condition loses about 50 to 100 hairs per day. It becomes difficult to notice this when the new hair is growing at the same time. The major cause of this is the disruption in the hair growth cycle and shedding (cast off) process.
These are the few common causes behind Male Pattern Baldness:
- Heredity: In some families, there are genes passed on through the family that make men more likely to have androgenetic alopecia. In men with these genes, the hair follicles are more sensitive to DHT. It leads to hair follicle miniaturization (where the hairs growing from the follicles become thinner and shorter with each cycle of growth) at a younger age.
- Hormonal changes: This is the most common reason behind Male Pattern Baldness. Men normally lose their hair when three main factors interact: genetics, age, and hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that act like messenger molecules in the body. After being made in one part of the body, they travel to other parts of the body where they help control how cells and organs do their work. Changes in the hormones affect the growth of hairs.
- Medication and Supplements: People often get into excessive medication and consuming supplements, which results in excessive hair loss. Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure.
- Radiation: Due to the bigger diseases like cancer, People tend to be in contact with Radiation, which results in the loss of hairs. UV Rays also harms the scalp of the head.
- Stress: Stress is very common in our day to day life. It is one of the major causes behind the head losing its hairs. People usually lose their hairs whenever they go through some tough time in their lives.
- Excessive hairstyling: Excessive hairstyling or even using an artificial product for hair can result in hair loss. Sometimes the fashion statement becomes more dangerous than we think. It results in losing the natural strength of the hairs.
How can I prevent the Male pattern baldness?
Genetics is the main reason behind baldness. It is totally upon person to person. The condition is preventable at a certain stage of the baldness. Here are some measures one can take to prevent baldness:
- Consult your doctor before it’s too late.
- Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns, or ponytails.
- Avoid twisting and unnecessarily pulling your hairs.
- Treat well and gentle while shampooing your hairs.
- Use wide toothed comb for your hairs.
- Avoid cosmetic treatments like hot rollers, curling irons, and hot oil treatments.
- Protect your hairs from harmful UV Rays.
If you still have any doubts regarding your hair loss, schedule a free appointment with Central India’s first Trichologist for effective hair loss treatment.
