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What Are the Causes of Thinning Hair in Men?

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenic alopecia, which is also known as male pattern baldness. A number of other medical and environmental factors, including diet, medication and chemicals, can also damage hair and cause hair loss. Genetic predisposition combined with medical and environmental factors can accelerate the process of hair loss.

  1. Androgenetic Alopecia

    • Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. Although the connection isn't clearly understood yet, and it is believed that other genes may be important in the process, researchers have concluded that a androgen hormone called dihydrotestosterone and its interaction with the androgen receptor gene are the leading cause. The condition, which affects an estimated 35 million men in the United States in 2010, appears in clusters of families and is believed to be inherited.

    Medical Conditions

    • Many medical conditions and treatments can cause or contribute to hair loss. Some of the conditions are quite serious, so you should consult a doctor in any cases of hair loss, particularly if the loss is rapid or sudden. Hyperthyroidism, diabetes and lupus have all been linked to hair loss. The presence of parasites, such as ringworm, can also damage the hair follicles and lead to thinning hair or baldness in patches. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, frequently used for cancer treatments, usually cause hair loss. This hair usually grows back after treatment is completed. Other medications may cause weakening or thinning of the hair as a side affect. A pharmacist or physician should know whether or not this is a known side effect of any particular medication.

    Diet and Nutrition

    • Poor nutrition is also known to cause hair loss. Crash diets, or any diet that neglects basic nutrition in the pursuit of weight loss, may lead to hair loss. It is also a very common side effect of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. Beyond weight-loss diets, any diet that is generally poor and includes too much junk food, fat and salt or that provides insufficient protein and iron may also cause or contribute to hair loss.

    Hair Treatment

    • It seems obvious but how a person treats his hair can also have an impact on hair loss. An average, healthy person loses about 100 hairs per day. Hair styles that pull on the follicles, such as corn rows or pony tails, will cause an acceleration in normal hair loss. Chemical treatments, dyes, curling irons and blow dryers can also weaken and damage the hair and cause accelerated hair loss.

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