Last updated on June 6, 2023
Baldness is a common issue affecting men of all ages. It can be a source of insecurity and lead to low self-esteem. It is important to understand the causes of hair thinning, male-pattern baldness, and a receding hairline so that you can take steps to prevent it. This article will cover the various factors that can lead to baldness in men, including genetics, hormones, environmental factors, and medications.
It will also discuss some treatments and lifestyle changes that may help prevent male pattern baldness.
6 Things That Cause Baldness in Men
Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of baldness in men and is caused by an inherited gene from either parent. This inherited gene makes hair follicles become sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, making it harder for hair to grow, which leads to baldness.
The inherited gene can be passed through generations and can even skip a generation. It is estimated that men with a family history of baldness have a greater chance of experiencing baldness themselves. For example, if one or both of a man’s parents have baldness, he has a higher chance of developing it.
In addition to genetics, other factors such as age, hormones, and stress can also contribute to male-pattern baldness. It is important to note that male-pattern baldness is not a sign of poor health but rather a natural part of the ageing process. While there is no cure for male-pattern baldness, there are treatments available to help slow down the process and improve the appearance of the hair.
Hair loss occurs for several reasons, and understanding these causes can help you prevent or slow down this condition.
1. Hormonal Imbalances and Baldness
Hormonal imbalances can also cause baldness in men. For example, if the body is producing too much testosterone, which causes too much DHT to be produced, it can cause the hair follicle to shrink and lead to baldness. Other hormones, such as thyroid hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, can also affect the rate of hair growth.
In addition to hormonal imbalances, certain medications can also cause baldness. For example, some chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medications, and birth control pills can cause hair loss. It is important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any type of hair loss, as they can help you determine the cause and provide treatment options.
2. Environmental Factors and Hair Loss in Men
Environmental factors such as air pollution, chemicals, and UV radiation from the sun can damage the hair and lead to hair loss. Pollution and chemicals can weaken the hair and make it more prone to breakage. UV rays from the sun also damage the hair follicles and can cause them to shrink, leading to hair loss.
In addition to environmental factors, lifestyle choices can also contribute to hair loss in men. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating a poor diet can all lead to hair loss. Stress can also be a factor, as it can cause the body to produce hormones that can damage hair follicles. Finally, certain medications can also cause hair loss, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you are concerned about this.
3. Stress and Hair Loss in Men
Stress can also be a factor in causing baldness in men. Stress causes the body to produce hormones such as cortisol which can cause the hair follicles to shrink and lead to hair loss. Prolonged and intense levels of stress over time can also cause inflammation in the scalp which can damage hair follicles.
In addition to the physical effects of stress on hair follicles, psychological stress can also lead to hair loss. When a person is under a great deal of stress, they may develop trichotillomania, a condition in which they compulsively pull out their own hair. This can lead to bald patches and further hair loss.
Stress can cause patchy hair loss, hair thinning and ultimately, baldness. Finding ways to deal with stress can go a long way to help lose hair slower or reverse it altogether.
4. Medications That Can Cause Baldness
Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and arthritis, can cause baldness in men. These medications can interfere with the normal functioning of the hair follicles and cause them to shrink, leading to hair loss.
In addition to medications, other factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and genetics can also contribute to hair loss. It is important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, as they can help you determine the cause and provide treatment options.
5. Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Hair
Eating a nutritious diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids is important for healthy hair growth. Protein is essential for strong and healthy hair strands, while vitamins and minerals help promote healthy scalp circulation. Healthy fats found in fatty fish like salmon, nuts, and avocados are important for nourishing the scalp and hair follicles.
In addition to a healthy diet, it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the scalp and hair hydrated, which can help to reduce dryness and breakage. It is also important to limit the use of heat styling tools, as these can damage the hair and scalp.
Finally, using natural oils such as coconut oil or argan oil can help to nourish the scalp and hair follicles.
Male pattern baldness affects self-esteem and confidence. Making changes in your lifestyle and adding a few recommended hair loss treatments can help you retain your mane.
6. Lifestyle Changes to Help Prevent Baldness
Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep can help prevent baldness. Smoking reduces circulation in the scalp, which leads to weakened hair follicles which can lead to hair loss.
Reducing stress levels helps keep hormone levels balanced, which helps prevent baldness. Getting enough sleep helps keep cortisol levels from getting too high, which can lead to hair loss.
In addition to lifestyle changes, eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can help prevent baldness. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E can help promote healthy hair growth. Foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and nuts are all great sources of these vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, drinking plenty of water helps keep the scalp hydrated and can help prevent hair loss.
Treatments for hair growth
There are several treatment options available for male-pattern baldness, such as medications like finasteride or minoxidil, laser therapy, or hair transplants. Finasteride is a medication that can help slow down or stop hair loss, while laser therapy stimulates the growth of new hair follicles. Hair transplants involve taking healthy follicles from one area of the scalp and moving them to areas where there is thinning hair or balding.
Baldness in men can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, hormones, environmental factors, medications, stress, and diet. Understanding these causes can help you make lifestyle changes or seek treatments that can help prevent or stop baldness.
Remember to consult your doctor if you are experiencing baldness for further advice.
In addition to the medicare treatments mentioned above, there are also natural remedies that can be used to help reduce hair loss.
These include eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and using essential oils like rosemary or Saw Palmetto. Natural remedies may not be as effective as medical treatments, but they can help reduce hair loss and improve the overall health of your scalp.
Hair Doctors offer several effective treatment options to men suffering from baldness. To find out more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our hair loss experts, please contact us as follows:
- Call us on 02 7252 3351
- Email us at info@hairdoctors.com.au
- Book online
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
About The Author
Dr. Ossman Ashraf
In 2009, Dr Oz graduated from the University of Dundee, UK with a qualification in Men’s Health and Aesthetic Medicine. He then furthered his qualifications in medical education and is currently the Medical Advisor/Educator for MOSH, Australia’s leading online Men’s Health platform. He is accredited by the London Hair Restoration Academy and specialises in using the most up-to-date micro FUE extraction and DHI implantation techniques for transplant surgery.
Hussein B
After years of research, calling and consulting with different hair transplant surgeons across Sydney, I can definitely say Hair Doctors Australia is the best in the business. If you’re after qualified hair transplant surgeons who actually put their patients best interests first, look no further.
Samuel Levi
From the first initial consult, to my first day of surgery I can not highly recommend the team here at the Bondi clinic enough. So professional, and friendly, plus answered every question and worry I had, that was running through my mind. It made the entire process seamless. I’ll be recommending them whole heartedly to anyone who was in a similar situation to me, and wanting a hair transplant.
