Male Pattern Baldness
Although a range of factors can cause hair loss, most people associate it with male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness commonly afflicts men as they age, and genetic factors can come into play. You may have male pattern baldness if your hair loss starts at the temples or crown of your head. Some men get one bald spot, but others have a receding hairline. For most men with male pattern baldness, the hair gets thinner until there is not much left.
For many people, male pattern baldness is an inherited condition. You may be able to predict your likelihood of hair loss by looking at other members of your family. However, hormonal factors can come into play. Testosterone levels often connect with male pattern baldness. Androgen hormones are also significant to this type of hair loss. Androgen is a hormone that directly supports hair growth. When androgen levels diminish, hair loss is more likely.
Many factors can influence hormone levels. Some examples include genetics, stress levels, and age.
To understand male pattern baldness, consider the growth cycle of your hair. Each hair will grow about an inch each month until it reaches its peak length. It then goes into a resting mode and waits for several months before growing again. This process can repeat itself at any time.
However, when the growth cycle is disrupted or diminished, the hair follicles will start to shrink. This shrinkage causes the hair to be thinner and shorter. Eventually, the growth cycle for each strand will stop completely. When this happens, the hairs will fall out and not grow back.
Many people consider male pattern baldness with dread. It can seem like a hopeless situation that you cannot fight. However, hair loss treatment has come a long way. Solutions exist for people who suffer from male pattern baldness; now has never been a better time for hope.
Losing their hair seems like an inevitable rite of passage for many men. By age 50, 85% of men will have noticeably thinning hair. While the causes are varied, one common culprit is male pattern baldness. Men may experience male pattern baldness differently with hair loss starting in different locations, but the outcome is typically the same. Most men with this condition will eventually lose all or most of their hair.
Male pattern baldness is also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is exceedingly common. It might affect more than half of all American males by some estimates. That means that 50 million men are suffering from male pattern baldness right now. Disconcertingly, many men start to notice its impact at a young age. Some men see thinning hair before they turn 21.
The condition may be common, but that does not mean that it is easy to handle. While few health risks come associated with male pattern baldness, the impact on your mental health can be significant. Male pattern baldness can lead to depression or anxiety. It can cause diminished vitality and a lowered sense of worth.
Although male pattern baldness is prevalent, it is certainly not the only reason for hair loss. You should never assume male pattern baldness causes hair loss. Some other conditions and medications can affect your hair. It is best to have your hair loss assessed by a professional before moving forward with a plan to address the issue.
Ultimately, you do not have to let male pattern baldness be a certainty in your life. By learning more about the condition, you can start to take control of your appearance once more.
