What Causes Hair Loss in Men?
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Are you thinking, “Why is my hairline receding even though I am still in my early 30s?” whenever you look in the mirror? Then, you are not alone.
As per the American Hair Loss Association, 85% of men experience major hair thinning by age 50. Some experience gradual thinning, while others face sudden shedding. This could be due to genetics, poor scalp health, hormonal imbalance, stress, or even an underlying medical condition.
The good news is that it can be cured by understanding the reason behind it and finding the related treatment. This blog discusses what causes hair loss in men and what they can do to slow it down. We will also explore treatment options and medications contributing to hair loss.
Table Of Contents
The Most Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men
Hair loss can be frustrating, but figuring out why it's happening makes it easier to deal with. Some men start seeing their hair thin in their 20s, while others don't notice changes until later. It can be due to stress, genetics, or health issues. Here are some of the most common causes that can cause hair loss in men:
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss. If your dad or grandfather went bald, there's a good chance you might, too. This condition is hereditary and caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink. As follicles become smaller, hair starts thinner until it stops growing altogether. The hairline often recedes at the temples, forming an "M" shape. Some men also develop thinning at the crown, which expands over time.
Telogen Effluvium (Temporary Hair Shedding)
Excessive shedding is often due to extreme stress, illness, major life changes, or a reaction to certain medications. This condition is called telogen effluvium. It happens when hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase immediately. As a result, more hair falls out than usual. Unlike male pattern baldness, this type of hair loss is reversible, which means that hair typically regrows. However, it can take several months for shedding to stop completely.
Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune Hair Loss)
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This causes sudden hair loss in small, round patches around your scalp. In certain situations, it may cause complete hair loss on the scalp, referred to as alopecia totalis, or loss of hair over the entire body, known as alopecia universalis. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors can be key factors in it.
Hair Loss Due to Deficiencies & Disorders
Nutrient deficiencies and medical conditions cause hair loss by disrupting hair follicle function. Research shows that people with hair loss often have lower vitamin D levels. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to tissues, including the scalp. Low iron levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, increasing shedding.
Zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, B12, and C also affect hair health. Without these nutrients, hair becomes brittle or thin. Medical conditions like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes can further impact hair growth.
Can Medications Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss linked to medications varies depending on how the drug interacts with the body. Some medicines affect hormone levels, while others impact nutrient absorption or stress the body, triggering temporary shedding. Some of these medications include:
Ozempic
Ozempic is a medication for weight management and type 2 diabetes. While it is not a widely reported side effect, rapid weight loss caused by the drug can put stress on the body, disrupting the natural hair growth cycle. This stress can push more follicles into the telogen (resting) phase, increasing shedding.
Additionally, Ozempic affects metabolic pathways, which indirectly influence hair follicle function. However, no direct scientific connection between the medication and hair loss has been confirmed, and the shedding is often due to overall physiological changes rather than the drug.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro, another medication for type 2 diabetes, has similar effects to Ozempic. Some users report hair thinning, but this is often attributed to weight fluctuations rather than the drug itself. Shedding usually resolves once the body adjusts to metabolic changes or weight stabilization..
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy can accelerate hair loss in men genetically suffering from androgenetic alopecia. When testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it slows the duration of the hair growth phase. This leads to the contraction of hair follicles, resulting in finer strands and, ultimately, hair loss.
Men who are sensitive to DHT face male pattern baldness and high testosterone levels can exacerbate this effect.
Semaglutide
Some users taking Semaglutide for diabetes and weight loss experience hair thinning. Like Ozempic, hair loss during Semaglutide use may not be a direct side effect but a response to rapid weight fluctuations.
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, has been reported to cause hair loss in some individuals. Though not a common side effect, certain users have noticed increased shedding, possibly because Wellbutrin affects neurotransmitters that regulate hair growth cycles.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is prescribed for hair loss and can paradoxically cause initial shedding. This happens because the medication accelerates the shedding of weaker hairs to allow for stronger regrowth. This effect is temporary, and continued use typically results in thicker hair.
Metformin
Metformin is commonly used by diabetic patients and does not directly cause hair loss. However, long-term use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, possibly contributing to hair thinning. Furthermore, vitamin B12 is foundational in producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen to hair follicles. A deficiency in this vitamin can make hair strands fragile and impede growth. Increasing B12 intake through supplements can resolve this issue.
Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker prescribed to treat high blood pressure and is not associated with hair loss. However, some users have reported increased shedding, which can be because of blood circulation changes affecting hair follicles.
Phentermine
Phentermine is a weight-loss drug that causes hair shedding by disrupting the hair growth cycle. It stimulates the nervous system to suppress appetite, which can cause a deficiency of key nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin. These deficiencies weaken hair follicles and cause hair loss.
Additionally, Phentermine can increase cortisol levels, pushing your hair into the resting phase prematurely. As a result, some users experience temporary shedding, though hair growth may resume with proper nutrition and medical treatment.
Adderall
Adderall, a stimulant prescribed for ADHD, may contribute to hair loss by increasing stress hormone levels and disrupting the hair growth cycle. It releases norepinephrine and dopamine, heightening stress responses and cortisol levels. It often suppresses appetite, resulting in deficiencies of iron, zinc, and other nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth.
Can Lifestyle Cause Hair Loss?
While certain lifestyle habits can influence hair health, not all directly cause hair loss. Some of them include the following.
Stress
Chronic stress disrupts the hair growth cycle, pushing follicles into a resting phase and causing increased shedding. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, is typically temporary. It resolves once the stress is managed.
Smoking
Smoking impairs blood circulation, reducing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Smokers have a high chance of experiencing hair loss compared to non-smokers. A survey indicated that 425 out of 500 smokers experienced hair loss, which is over double the figure for non-smokers.
Alcohol Consumption
Moderate alcohol intake does not directly cause hair loss. However, excessive drinking can dehydrate your body and cause nutrient deficiencies, weakening hair strands and hindering growth.
Vaping
Since vaping can affect circulation and increase oxidative stress, it may negatively influence hair growth.
Poor Nutrition and Crash Diets
Diets lacking essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamins can weaken hair structure. Sudden weight loss or restrictive diets can cause temporary hair loss as the body prioritizes vital functions over hair maintenance.
Excessive or Incorrect Shampooing
Using harsh shampoos or washing hair too frequently doesn't directly cause hair loss but can lead to scalp irritation and hair breakage.
Hard Water
Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up on the scalp and hair, causing dryness and brittleness. While it doesn't directly cause hair loss, it can increase hair breakage.
Myths About Hair Loss
Most information about the causes of hair loss is based on myths. People often blame everyday habits for thinning hair, but not all beliefs are backed by science. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common myths and the truth behind them.
1. Myth: Wearing a hat causes hair loss.
Truth: Hats do not exert enough pressure on hair follicles to affect growth.
2. Myth: Mousse and hair gel do not lead to hair loss.
Truth: Harsh chemicals in styling products can weaken hair strands, causing breakage.
3. Myth: Cutting hair makes it grow back thicker.
Truth No, hair thickness is determined by genetics, not how often it is trimmed.
4. Myth: Frequent haircuts prevent baldness.
Truth: Hair loss is primarily influenced by hormones and genetics, not by trimming frequency.
5. Myth: Shaving your head changes hair growth patterns.
Truth: Regrowing hair may appear thicker at first due to blunt ends, but the hair structure remains the same.
6. Myth: Washing hair every day can cause hair loss.
Truth: Some shedding is normal, and using a mild shampoo daily can maintain scalp health and prevent build-up.
7. Myth: Not washing hair for long periods does not affect hair health.
Truth: Buildup on the scalp can clog follicles and weaken hair. This makes regular washing important for scalp health.
What You Can Do About Hair Loss?
Seeing your hair thinning is one of the most heartbreaking sights, but there are ways to slow it down and, in some cases, even reverse it. The first step is identifying the cause, whether genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or an underlying condition. Visiting a dermatologist can help you diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Start treatment early to increase the chances of maintaining hair density. Medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are widely used to slow hair loss and encourage regrowth. Treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy or hair transplants may be effective solutions for more advanced cases.The shampoo can significantly impact scalp health. Medicated shampoos that contain ingredients such as ketoconazole, biotin, or caffeine strengthen hair. Natural ingredients like Panax ginseng root extract, rosemary oil, and licorice root extract can improve circulation and reduce scalp inflammation.
Conclusion
Hair loss can occur due to various causes, including lifestyle factors, genetics, and underlying health conditions. It is important to identify the reason in order to manage it effectively.
Taking action early provides you with more options. A dermatologist can identify the reason behind it and recommend the most effective treatment.For those looking for targeted solutions, Try-Spartan offers a range of hair care products developed to promote scalp health and encourage hair growth. The Root Activator Shampoo cleanses and nourishes the scalp, creating an environment for healthier hair. The Root Activator Conditioner strengthens strands and reduces breakage, while the Root Activator Soap Bar provides a gentle, natural cleansing option. The Try-Spartan Spray For Hair Loss delivers concentrated nutrients to the scalp, supporting healthier follicle growth. Visit our shop to explore hair care products that fit your needs.
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