Male Hair Loss
Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss, and it has many different causes. Hair loss can be broken down into several different types, including alopecia areata (temporary hair loss in a coin-shaped patch), telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss secondary to a stressor on the system), and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss). Male androgenetic alopecia is the most frequent type of thinning or loss of hair in males. The condition, also known as male pattern baldness, causes hair loss as early as late adolescence.

Male-pattern hair loss generally shows itself in the 20s or early 30s by gradual loss of hair, chiefly on the top of the head and in the angles at the frontal hairline. There are several different patterns to this hair loss, but male-pattern hair loss is the most frequently encountered type. The exact mechanisms are still unknown. However, it’s widely known that inherited factors and the effect of androgens (male hormones) on the hair are most responsible. Here are some possible causes: DHT, Blood Flow, Nutrition, Stress, Sebaceous Oil Build-up.

DHT - Heredity is assumed to be the primary cause, although the male hormone testosterone plays an important role, seemingly independent of genetic predisposition. Cells in genetically programmed hair follicles contain the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This is found in higher quantities in the scalp follicles of affected men. 5-alpha reductase converts the hormone testosterone into the more potent 5-alpha dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT hormone then binds to androgenic receptors in the hair follicle and the specific bond triggers cellular processes, which reduce the anagen (growing) phase of the hair cycle.


For this reason, the hair passes earlier into the telogen (resting) phase and falls out. Over succeeding cycles, terminal hair gradually converts into thinner and shorter vellus hair and the hair follicle becomes minute.

Cells in genetically programmed hair follicles contain the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. 5 alpha reductase converts testosterone into the more potent DHT (Chen, Zouboulis & Orfanos, 1996).

In those with androgenetic alopecia, the overall levels of testosterone may be normal however the activity of 5-alpha reductase is greater than normal which results in increased amounts of DHT in the hair follicle. The density of the adrogenic receptors in the hair follicles varies according to location (more adrogenic receptors at the back and top of the head, fewer on the sides) and this is genetically determined.

Blood Flow - Blood delivers the elements that are essential for life. A constricted blood supply prevents nutrients from coming into the papilla area where vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are necessary for proper cellular reproduction.

Nutrition - Good nutrition is vital for strong, healthy hair. When blood and nutrients are not reaching the papilla area, cells reproduce at a much slower rate.

Stress - This is another contributor and causes of hair loss. While under stress, the pituitary gland can produce hormones and enzymes that can constrict the vascular system, thus hindering the oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow to the hair. It is important to bring stress levels under control to stop it as a cause of hair loss.

Sebaceous Oil Build-up - Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum into the hair follicle. Sebum lubricates the hair for smooth growth, and also protects and waterproofs hair and keeps it from becoming dry, brittle and cracked. When poor quality, thin hairs are produced, oil fills up in the follicle, hardens, and can hinder proper hair growth.

 

This male hair loss treatment information was gathered for Hair Edge.

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