Did you know that hair loss in men affects around 50 million people in the United States? It is no secret that half of all men are expected to go bald by the age of 50.
Although signs of hair loss are a natural part of the aging process for millions of men, hair loss can feel traumatic and psychologically distressing.
This is because unexpected hair loss can, at times, indicate much more serious health conditions that require medical attention. Here is all the information you need to know about the common causes of hair loss in men and the treatment options available.
Hair Loss in Men
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Male pattern baldness is also known as androgenetic alopecia. This usually occurs later in life when a person’s hormone levels change. This can be a very distressing situation because you feel as though your youth is being stripped away with every falling strand.
Although there are treatments like hair transplants and medications, it is always best to speak to your doctor before diving into any procedure. You should also be careful of a lot of websites that offer quick fixes because you may damage your hair follicles by using home-treatment products you are unfamiliar with.
Hair Loss Symptoms
The most obvious sign of hair loss in men is a gradual thinning on top of the head. This affects people as they age. The hair begins to recede at the hairline on a man’s forehead. Receding hairline becomes more obvious in men, even if they are not that old.
You may also notice some circular or patchy bald spots. Some people cannot help but lose hair on the scalp, eyebrows, or beard. This makes the skin feel very painful or itchy before the hair falls.
The person’s appearance may look like clumps of hair are missing from random places, especially the back or sides of their head. A sudden loss of hair can also be an overwhelming shock. Handfuls may come out while you wash or comb your hair.
Even if you gently tug some strands, they can break. This type of hair loss causes a lot of thinning, but it is temporary and can be fixed.
Other symptoms may be patches of scaling that are spread across the scalp. However, this may be a sign of ringworm. If you notice redness, oozing, swelling, and broken hair, you should consult your doctor for treatment.
Causes of Hair Loss in Men
The primary factors that cause hair loss in men are age, hormones, and genetics. Male pattern baldness happens when hormone levels change throughout the course of a man’s life. These factors contribute to the slow shrinkage of tiny cavities in the skin.
These cavities are present at the base of hairs. You can also call them scalp hair follicles if the word “cavities” sounds too dental. Most men develop some degree of baldness according to genetics or their age.
Your chances are higher if you have second-degree relatives who have lost all their hair. Hair loss has also been linked to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, hypertension, and prostate cancer.
However, it can also occur as a reaction to stress, especially if you are recovering from major surgery or an illness. You should also be careful of certain medications that may have extreme side effects.
Always be careful ingesting any anticoagulants, vitamin A supplements, or blood thinners. Other causes include fungal infection, thyroid problems, iron deficiency, and malnutrition.
Hair Loss Treatment
It is extremely important to note that not every man will seek treatment for hair loss problems. Many men see the loss of their hair as a natural part of growing older and wiser. They do not see the need for treatment.
However, a sudden loss of hair can trigger negative psychological effects. You may suffer from low self-esteem or depression if you do not like your bald appearance. The good news is that there are many treatment options available.
The first step is to eat a balanced diet. Then you should also use combs with wider spaces between the bristles. Avoid harsh hairstyle treatments and gels, and do not unexpectedly switch medications. Otherwise, your body will get a shock and may shed hair as a stress reaction.
You should also avoid twisting or pulling your hair to protect your strands. Although these steps can help keep your hair safe, there may be other underlying issues that are causing hair loss. Your doctor may recommend medications that would be available over the counter.
These should include ointments and foams. However, you should always be careful with medications. They can have serious side effects like redness and skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, or more hair shedding. Other medications can also have negative effects like erectile dysfunction, depression, and decreased libido.
Therapies for hair loss in men may involve a combination of creams, shampoos, drugs, and ointments. You will need to see a dermatologist for this treatment. Otherwise, you should speak to your doctor about surgery, laser combs, wigs, or an excellent treatment called micropigmentation.
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive hair loss treatment option. It uses micro-needles to deposit pigment into your scalp. This helps create the appearance of tiny follicles of hair that thicken and restore your look.
Contact Your Doctor Today
Now that you know the causes and treatment options for hair loss in men, it is time to visit your doctor to discuss further steps. You should always contact your doctor if you experience hair falling out in clumps, burning or itchy scalp, or sudden hair loss.
You should also disclose if you experience any stress, iron deficiency, illness, or weight loss. The rate a person’s hair grows back will depend on the type of hair loss.
However, male pattern baldness is usually permanent, which is why it is challenging to treat yourself without professional help to prevent further thinning of your hair. If you enjoyed reading this hair loss solutions guide, check out some of our other posts for more information.
