Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is a genetic condition that affects people assigned male at birth and causes hair loss on the scalp, thinning hair, and a receding hairline. The condition is caused by androgen hormones that affect the hair follicles in people with a genetic susceptibility. While some degree of androgen-dependent hair loss is universal after puberty, the prevalence of alopecia of sufficient severity to warrant a diagnosis of balding increases with advancing age.
There are several factors that can contribute to hair loss, including medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. For example, thyroid problems, scalp infections, or trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder) could lead to thinning hair or bald patches. However, researchers have found no link between stress, diet, wearing hats, frequent washing, drinking alcohol, or smoking cigarettes and patterned hair loss.
There are several treatments available for male pattern baldness, including medications, hair transplant surgery, platelet-rich plasma, and styling techniques. Medications such as minoxidil and finasteride can help slow or stop hair loss and may even promote new hair growth. However, these medications may have side effects such as scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the adjacent skin of the face and hands. Hair transplant surgery involves moving hair from areas of the scalp with healthy hair growth to areas that are balding. Laser therapy is another treatment option that has been approved by the FDA for hereditary hair loss in men and women.
Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals also play an important role in normal hair follicle development and immune cell function. Deficiency of such micronutrients may represent a modifiable risk factor associated with the development, prevention, and treatment of alopecia. For example, biotin deficiency causes hair loss, but there are no evidence-based data that supplementing biotin promotes hair growth.
In conclusion, male pattern baldness is a genetic condition that causes hair loss in men. While there are several factors that can contribute to hair loss, researchers have found no link between stress, diet, wearing hats, frequent washing, drinking alcohol, or smoking cigarettes and patterned hair loss. There are several treatments available for male pattern baldness, including medications, hair transplant surgery, platelet-rich plasma, and styling techniques. Micronutrients such as vitamins a...
