Hair is an essential part of how you look. Thick and nourished hair are often associated with a well groomed and healthy image. Losing one’s crowning glory can lead to low confidence, low self esteem and in some cases even Depression.
It is far common among men to lose their hair. It can occur in various different ways and can be either temporary or permanent. Here are some of the symptoms of hair loss in men:
- Circular Bald Spots: Circular patches of bald spots are a common occurrence on the top of one’s head. Sometimes these coin sized patches may occur on beards or eyebrows as well.
- Thinning Of Hair: This is the most common symptom of hair loss where one experiences gradual thinning of hair which is followed by receding hairline till one loses hair completely.
- Full Body Hair Loss: This is when you start losing hair from your entire body and not just your head.
Causes Of Hairloss In Men
Male Pattern Baldness
Male Pattern Baldness is a hair loss that is a genetic condition which occurs when there is a history of baldness in your family. In men, the hair loss usually takes place in front of the head or on top of the head.
Male Pattern Baldness hampers the growth cycle of the hair. It does so by shrinking the hair follicle which leads to production of shorter and thinner hair. Ultimately, the hair growth stops completely which leads to bald spots. Testosterone gets converted to dihydrotestosterone(DHT) by help of enzyme 5-a reductase situated in hair follicles. Due to increased levels or increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to DHT , the hair growth phase gets progressively shortened hence making hair thinner and smaller eventually leading to total hair loss. That is why it is called Androgenetic Alopecia(AGA).
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder which destroys the hair follicles and leads to hair loss in the scalp or any hair bearing skin. It is often accompanied by other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid, lupus, vitiligo and arthritis. This immune mediated attack may not affect grey or white hair and hence some people may notice sudden grey hair patches.
Medications And Treatments
Hair Loss can be the side effect of certain medications that are taken for ailments like cancer, arthritis, depression or heart conditions. Chemotherapy for cancer treatment is also known to cause loss of hair. Acne medications like isotretinoin, BP medications like beta blockers and Lithium can also cause shedding of hair.
-Stress
One may find themselves losing strands of hair when they are emotionally stressed as well. Stress also impacts melatonin or sleep hormone and hence causes hair fall.