🩺 Why Do Men Lose Their Hair? The Story Behind Each Follicle

In consultations, many men begin similarly:
"Doctor, I used to have so much hair... and one day, I started noticing receding hairlines, thinning, and my scalp becoming more visible."

Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual, often silent process that begins at the follicle level.

📖 The Most Common Cause: Androgenetic Alopecia

In the majority of men, hair loss is caused by androgenetic alopecia, a genetic and hormonal condition.

Some hair follicles are genetically sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is derived from testosterone. Over time, this hormone causes:

•⁠ The follicle to become progressively smaller
•⁠ The hair to grow thinner and shorter
•⁠ The growth cycle to shorten
•⁠ Until the follicle stops producing visible hair entirely

Hair doesn’t “fall out randomly”; it gradually miniaturizes and becomes finer until it no longer grows.

🧬 Why Doesn’t It Happen to Everyone the Same Way?

Because several factors come into play:
• Genetics (especially inherited from both sides of the family)
• Age
• Individual sensitivity to DHT
• Stress, illnesses, medications, or scalp inflammation can speed up the process but are usually not the primary cause. However, these factors may exacerbate the situation.

⚠️ The Importance of Medical Assessment

Not all hair loss in men is due to androgenetic alopecia. A medical evaluation is crucial for:

✔️ Confirming the diagnosis
✔️ Detecting reversible causes
✔️ Initiating timely treatment to slow down progression
✔️ Avoiding delayed or unnecessary solutions

👉 The earlier the evaluation, the more hair can be preserved.

Additionally, androgenetic alopecia is just one of many causes of hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, conditions such as thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases can also lead to hair thinning and loss. It is important to consider all potential underlying causes to avoid misdiagnosis and improper treatment.

This content is purely educational and does not replace medical consultation.

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Reputable Sources:

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

• Mayo Clinic: Hair loss

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Hormonal influences on hair growth

• Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD)

These sources provide further insight into the complexities of hair loss and treatment options.