Hair Loss Men

Hair Loss in Men

Most men as they age, 80-90% men start losing hair in some form or the other. In most men, the most common causes of hair loss are genetics and the male hormone testosterone. Other factors including quality of water, nutritional deficiency, smoking, dandruff, drugs, stress, any ongoing diseases(anemia/thyroid disorders) and autoimmune phenomenon also have a significant effect on hair growth. It is a complex interplay of many factors which maintain the hair cycle and its growth. Not everyone develops hair fall with the above mentioned factors and it should be examined properly by a trained doctor preferably a trichologist.

Eitiology/Causes

The most common cause of hair loss in men is“androgenetic alopecia” or commonly called as “Male pattern baldness”. “Andro” refers to androgens (testesterone and the active form dihydrotestesterone) and “genetic” means genes inherited necessary for hair loss. Hair loss can begin anytime afafter puberty (around 11 to 14 years of age) when levels of male hormone testesterone rises in men. Men start loosing their hair from temples and developing a typical “M” shape hairline.Also simultaneously it can involve the crown portion.

Reason for hair loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes hair follicles to shrink in size(miniaturization), both in thickness and length. Slowly over a period of few months to years these turn into fine hair and eventually disappear giving a bald appearance.

Testosterone ------> DHT-----------> Hair loss

Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune phenomenon where patients develop smooth round to oval clean patches either on scalp, beard, eyebrows or body areas most commonly. For a broad classification, depending upon the extent of the disease it is classified as Localized/totalis(involving full scalp)/universalis(involving full scalp and body areas also). The hair loss in not permanent and can be made better with medical treatment. A detailed examination by the doctor/trichologist is recommended.

Get Answers Here

1) When should i visit a dermatologist for hair loss?

Few (0-20) hair loss per day is normal and considered as a part of normal hair cycle. Hair loss in bunches or more than this which becomes evident on combing, on your pillows and everytime you brush your hair might not be normal and needs an assess-ment by a doctor/trichologistFew (0-20) hair loss per day is normal and considered as a part of normal hair cycle. Hair loss in bunches or more than this which becomes evident on combing, on your pillows and everytime you brush your hair might not be normal and needs an assess-ment by a doctor/trichologist.

2) Can it be made better by medicines?

Yes. Patients who have an early phase of hair thinning and decrease in density can be made better by use of medicines sonly. If the extent is more ,then non surgical modalities like PRP or Micro-needling can be added.

3) Do i need hair transplant for my hair loss?

If the extent of hair loss is significant and most of the hair have been lost, then hair transplant becomes an important choice of treatment alongwith artificial means such as wigs or hair weaving..

4) Does improving my eating habits and taking high protein diet stops hair fall?

Not really. It has been found that even with good eating habits and high protein intake hair fall continues. Supplementing better nutrition is an adjuvant, but not enough to cause hair regrowth.

5) Does change in water in different city enough to cause significant baldness?

No. There are always additional factors associated ,though people may think that it the main cause of there hair loss since it is happening at the same time.

6) Does hair fall stop on its own, till when should i wait?

Hair fall for few days can happen in a normal individual also, but gets back to normal within few weeks. If its not getting back to normal then its time to find a cause behind it and you shall visit a doctor/trichologist

Connect with us :