Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, has a strong hereditary factor, and genes are responsible to cause 80% of cases. It is a progressive condition caused by sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Men inherit male pattern baldness from both parents, not just the mother, and if family members have early-onset baldness, the risk increases.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
A combination of genetic and hormonal factors mainly causes male pattern baldness. DHT hormone affects hair follicles, causing them to shrink. This reduces hair size and development. At last, hair growth stops in these areas. Genetic factors are a significant factor in how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT. If your family has a history of hair loss, your risk of hair loss is higher. But it is not just one side of your family. Both your parents can pass on genes for this condition.Â
We can say that this disorder is mostly genetic. But other factors also affect hair loss. We will discuss everything in this blog to help you better understand.
Is It Really Genetic?
Yes, male pattern baldness is, for the most part, a genetic factor. This means it is directly linked to inherited traits that determine how your body responds to hormones. If your father, grandfather, and even your mother’s side of the family experience hair loss, then you can experience it as well. This, however, does not mean that you will experience it at the same age as they did. Genes determine when hair loss will start and how bad it will become. Some people start losing hair as early as their early twenties, but for others, it is much later.Let’s go a little further to explain the role of genes in male pattern baldness.
A human being has 23 sets of chromosomes in their body, and everything from the color of their eyes to the length of their baby toe is encoded in these chromosomes. One of the sets of chromosomes, called the “X” and “Y” chromosomes, determines whether you are biologically a woman or a man. Women have two “X” chromosomes, while men have one “X” and one “Y” chromosome.Men get their “X” from their mother and their “Y” from their father.
Baldness is strongly linked to the AR gene on the X chromosome. A study of 12,806 men of European descent found that those with the gene were over twice as likely to develop MPB than those without it. However, this is not the only gene that determines whether you will go bald. A 2017 review of the subject identified 63 genes that could potentially play a role in MPB, of which only six were on the “X” chromosome.Research also shows that over 80% of people who experience baldness had a father who was also visibly bald.
Other Factors That Can Affect Hair Loss
Although genetics is the primary cause, other factors also play a role. Stress causes increased hair fall and worsens the problem. Inadequate nutrition weakens hair health. Lifestyle habits also play a role in hair growth. Certain medical conditions and medicines cause hair loss. Hormones also play a role. These may not directly cause male pattern baldness, but they accelerate the process. Taking care of overall health helps slow down the process.
Can You Prevent Male Pattern Baldness?
Since genetics cannot be changed, it is not always possible to completely prevent male pattern baldness. Nevertheless, early intervention helps slow the process. A healthy lifestyle helps maintain healthy hair. A healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle make a big difference. Certain medications help slow hair loss by reducing the effects of DHT. Early intervention is always beneficial. A doctor helps select the right option.
Treatment Options
Various treatments are available for managing male pattern balding. Topical treatments and medications such as Finpecia, Fincar, and Finasteride are available for this condition. These treatments help slow balding and even promote hair growth. However, this depends on how well the body reacts to the treatment. For severe cases of balding, another treatment option is surgery. Hair transplant surgery is done by transplanting hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. If done correctly, this treatment can give permanent results. However, it is important to know the risks and costs of this surgery.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you feel that your hair is thinning or your hairline is receding, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor. This helps select the right treatment. A doctor advises on whether the hair loss is due to anything else. Do not overlook any unusual hair loss. There is a possibility that some other health problems are causing excess hair loss. Seeking advice in such a situation will be beneficial.Â
Conclusion
Male pattern baldness has been attributed to genetics, although other factors also play a role. Even though the condition may not be entirely preventable, men can control it with the right measures. Once you are aware of the causes, you start taking better care of your hair. This condition does not pose a problem for many men as they receive proper care and assistance for it. Follow Medipedia for information on potent hair loss treatments.