What You Should Know About Men’s Hair Loss

Throughout their lives, many men will deal with the frustrating issue of hair loss. Even though it is a prevalent condition, it can be an ongoing source of embarrassment that negatively impacts day-to-day life, and it can also lead to anxiety and depression.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s essential to recognise that you are not alone. Take charge of your condition by first learning the facts about men’s hair loss, including why it occurs and how to learn more about options for remedying the situation.

In this post, we will seek to answer some of the most-asked questions regarding men’s hair loss, including its causes, health impacts and potential treatment plans. Keep reading to learn more about men’s hair loss and how to tackle it.

What is men’s hair loss?

Men’s hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness, is the permanent loss of hair from the scalp. The condition is incredibly common, with 30-50% of men experiencing male pattern baldness by the age of 50, according to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

When hair loss begins to occur in men, there is generally a noticeable pattern from where the hair starts to disappear. Typically, men will start to notice a receding hairline as the first sign of male pattern baldness. From there, more hair may begin to fall out around the crown and temples. Finally, some men end up losing all of their hair and going bald. Most men will have a receding hairline by their mid-20s, with noticeable hair loss by the time they reach their 50s.

What causes men’s hair loss?

There are many myths and unconfirmed theories regarding why men lose their hair. For example, you have likely heard the rumour that your mother’s family history of baldness determines whether or not you’ll experience hair loss at some point in your life. While this is somewhat true, it fails to tell the entire story.

For starters, hair loss is, in fact, hereditary. But your susceptibility to hair loss depends on more than the hairlines on your mother’s side of the family. Your father’s family history of baldness and hair loss is equally important in determining whether or not you will lose your hair. The NCBI study found that hereditary factors account for 80% of an individual’s predisposition to hair loss. Studies have found that identical twins will lose their hair at the same point in time and in the same pattern.

Within the body, there is something called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that is correlated with male pattern baldness. DHT is an androgen (a male sex hormone) that’s derived from testosterone, and when it is released into the bloodstream, it can reach the receptors on hair follicles and cause them to shrink. In turn, this means that your body is less able to grow hair on your scalp.

Are there any health impacts caused by male pattern baldness?

Losing your hair does not cause any negative impacts on your physical health. But many men (and women) who experience hair loss are more susceptible to psychological issues, including anxiety and depression.

In society and the media, hair loss has often been portrayed as undesirable. Unfortunately, for men experiencing pattern baldness, this sort of social stigma can lead to lower levels of self-confidence. However, hair loss is a common sign of ageing, so there is no reason to be embarrassed.

If you are feeling detrimental psychological impacts of hair loss, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and many others are also dealing with similar challenges. In the case that your negative thoughts regarding hair loss are affecting your daily life, you may benefit from chatting with a medical professional about your concerns and potential treatment options, if necessary.

What can you do if you are experiencing men’s hair loss?

It is extremely important to note that there is no “miracle cure” for male pattern baldness at this time. Although there are certain medical factors that may predispose you to hair loss, every situation is unique, and you will require a treatment that is catered to you. For that reason, it is important to consult with a doctor or medical professional about your hair loss concerns.

If possible, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a professional soon after you begin to notice the hair loss. Experts say that it is much easier to hold on the hair you already have, rather than regrow lost hair – so time is of the essence in these scenarios. This is because hair follicles that have stopped growing hair cannot be restored.

When you discuss your personal treatment plans with a specialist, you will learn about the options that might best suit you. During your visit, ask detailed questions to ensure that you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

On the other hand, there are some simple measures that you can take today to cover up hair loss on an aesthetic level. These types of tactics include using hair loss camouflage sprays or wearing wigs or hats. While these sorts of options don’t treat or prevent hair loss, they are quick and cost-effective ways to disguise the impacts of male pattern baldness.

If you have been noticing hair loss or have concerns about other men’s health issues, reach out to our professional staff at Men’s Health Direct. Our online medical clinic is a convenient and confidential resource for men around Australia who are looking for trusted answers to common questions related to ageing and men’s sexual health.

Men deal with a unique set of health concerns as they age, and many patients feel more comfortable with a specialised team of professionals. Our doctors will consult with you to determine a customised health plan before recommending viable treatments and prescriptions. All treatment plans are crafted by licensed doctors, who will continue to monitor your health throughout the process. Reach out to the experts at Men’s Health Direct today for a confidential chat.