What causes male hair loss?

Male hair loss is very common, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to deal with. Whether you’ve noticed a receding hairline, thinning at the crown or more hair coming away when you wash or style it, changes to your hair can feel frustrating and knock your confidence.

There are many reasons why men lose hair, and the pattern, speed and amount of hair loss can vary from person to person. Understanding what’s behind it is an important first step, as it can help you to decide whether to seek advice and what treatment options may be suitable.

In this article, we explore what can cause male hair loss and how online doctor services can support you with discreet, convenient advice and hair loss treatment where appropriate.

What causes male pattern hair loss?

Male pattern hair loss is the most common hair loss type in men. It’s usually caused by the combination of genetics and hormones - particularly a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.

DHT is made from testosterone and can affect hair follicles in people who are genetically sensitive to it. This means they’re less resistant to the hormone and more likely to experience hair loss symptoms.

Over time, DHT can cause some hair follicles to shrink. This process is known as follicle miniaturisation. As the follicles become smaller, the hairs they produce may become:

● Finer
● Shorter
● Lighter in colour
● Less visible on the scalp.

This doesn’t usually happen overnight. Male pattern hair loss tends to develop gradually, often over several years. For many men, it starts with a receding hairline or thinning around the temples, while others notice thinning at the crown first.

It’s important to know that male pattern hair loss isn’t caused by washing your hair too often, wearing hats or using styling products. It’s a medical pattern of hair loss linked to how your follicles respond to hormones.

While male pattern hair loss is common, support is available. A healthcare professional can advise on suitable treatments, such as minoxidil or finasteride - though hair loss typically returns after treatment is stopped.

What causes sudden hair loss in males?

As mentioned, male pattern hair loss tends to come on gradually over a period of several years. Sudden hair loss, on the other hand, can have different triggers and may not be permanent.

One possible cause of sudden hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. This is when more hairs than usual move into the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. It can happen after:

● A period of illness
● Childbirth
● High stress
● Surgery
● Rapid weight loss
● Nutritional deficiencies
● Starting or stopping certain medications.

Sudden hair loss can also be linked to alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss. This may appear as one or more smooth, round patches on the scalp, beard or other areas of the body.

In some cases, scalp conditions can play a role. Inflammation, infection, severe dandruff or psoriasis may affect the scalp and contribute to hair shedding. Hair may also break or fall out due to tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments or repeated pulling.

Sometimes, sudden hair loss is connected to wider health changes. Thyroid problems, low iron, vitamin deficiencies and some long-term conditions can all affect hair growth.

Because there are many possible causes for sudden hair loss, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional, especially if it’s severe, linked to scalp symptoms or doesn’t improve. They can help to identify what may be causing it and advise whether treatment, tests or specialist support may be needed.

Male hair loss isn’t easy, but understanding the possible causes can be a helpful first step towards finding the right support. Browse Pharmulous’s range of hair loss treatments online and complete a discreet consultation to find out whether treatment may be suitable for you.

References

https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/hair-loss/ 
https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hair-loss-male-pattern-androgenetic-alopecia 
https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/telogen-effluvium 
https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/alopecia-areata 
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9073307/ 
https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/traction-alopecia 
https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/dermatology/seborrheic-dermatitis-hair-loss-treatment/ 
https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/treating-scalp-psoriasis 
https://www.btf-thyroid.org/hair-loss-and-thyroid-disorders