Male Pattern Baldness - What Causes Hair Loss
What most of these men is experiencing is a condition known as male pattern baldness. Androgens are the male hormones responsible for producing masculine physical traits. These hormones work together with inherited genetic tendencies, also responsible for most of the hair loss experienced by men throughout history in every culture in the world.
Male Pattern Baldness is a genetic syndrome. An individual inherits all physical characteristics such as eye color, build, height, facial features and hair color from his ancestors. Although the tendency toward baldness is an inherited characteristic. The pattern of hair loss and the rate at which the loss will progress are genetically determined. Common folklore says that badness is a masculine trait, actually baldness is carried through the female genetic line. Therefore, if a man's maternal grandfather was bald, the man is likely to bald as well. It is not unheard of for families to exhibit three generations of bald men, genetic patterns are not that simple. Many different genetic codes relating to hormone production, cellular sensitivity and other factors are inherited by each individual in unique combinations. These various genes may be inherited through either the mother's line or the father's line. The genetic programing an individual inherits may reflect either his maternal or paternal heritage. In some cases, the pattern may be recessive dating back to generations long since dead and sometimes the pattern of baldness is not like that of any known relative.
The specific mechanism that causes male pattern baldness is initiated by an androgen, or male hormone, called testosterone, which is acted upon by a specific hormone at a genetically programmed point in an individual's life. Testosterone itself does not cause baldness. However, when it is acted upon by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, a new related hormone is formed. The new hormone, called dihydroxytestosterone, or DHT, causes the follicles of the hair to become sensitized and to turn off their typical renewal cycle.
The actual process within each strand of hair is a gradual one. The average two-to six-year growth cycle is shortened so that an ever increasing number of hair follicles are in the telogen or resting stage. Those hairs still functioning within the balding area grow more slowly, and the hair begins to thin out. Finally a few or no hairs grow within the balding area. Tiny Vellus hairs do continue to grow but they are hardly visible. As metabolism in the hair follicles slows, the blood supply to the bald area decreases causing the epidermis of the scalp to become more and more thin. This is a result of baldness, not a cause.
As the scalp becomes thinner, the sebaceous glands in the bald area tend to become more active. This activity causes an oily, shiny scalp as well as a dandruff problem in many cases.
Androgens also appear to be the culprit, at least in part, for hair loss in women, particularly later in life. All humans produce both male and female hormones. Males produce greater amounts of testosterone, and females produce greater amounts of estrogen. When the normal production of the hormone specific to the gender of the person is thrown out of balance by age, disease or surgery, greater amounts of the hormone characteristic of the opposite sex sometimes results. In women whose ovaries are removed during surgery or destroyed by disease, thinning of scalp hair and increased growth of body hair are not uncommon. Those same characteristics can also develop as the body's natural hormone production declines with age.
Age, naturally is a contributing factor to hair loss and male pattern baldness. As a man grows older the likelihood that he'll also grow bald increases dramatically. As testosterone levels decrease with age, baldness continually progresses as more and more follicles become sensitized to the hormones.
Related Tags: hair loss, baldness, male pattern baldness, hair loss in women, male baldness
If you want to find out more about vitamins and hair loss prevention try visiting http://www.hair-loss-prevention-guide.com where you find much more useful hair loss and thinning information, advice and resources including a natural hair loss remedy.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Hair Thinning Ideas That Can Help
Thinning hair naturally occurs as one grows older. The problem lies when it happens at a young age. - 7 Main Causes Of Hair Loss In Women
Due to hormonal changes, irritation or damage, some hair follicles have a shorter growth phase and p - Permanent Hairs Removal Process
Elliminating unwanted hairs on your body might be a trouble for you, but waxing and shaving are not - Biotin Hair Supplement - What It Is And How It Works To Increase Hair Growth
Hair loss has been a growing concern for many people over the years. Today, we find a lot of over th - Four Predators Wary Of Winter Hair
Dry - dry conditions, low temperature, wind, indoor heating the water will take away the hair, makin - Wigs For Cancer Patients: Hiding The Effects Of Chemotherapy
Cancer is one of those diseases that bring sorrow to mankind in many parts of the world. There are s - Criteria Of Choosing Surgeons For Female Hair Transplant
Hair loss can lead to emotional stress for women as well, even though men are more susceptible to ha - 9 Home Remedies To Stop Hair Falling Out
It is believed that every single individual has to experience hair loss problem in his or her entire - Natural Home Remedies For Dry Scalp And Hair Loss
As a crowning glory for women, hair is a very important issue to us. We ensure that we take care of - Psychological Effects Of Hair Loss
Losing hair can be quiet depressing. No one would want to experience this type of condition. It may
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Hair Loss Treatment
Hair is the most distinct feature of any human body, and hair loss is generally experienced by each - Get a Dense Hairline With Hair Transplants
Can You Get a Dense Hairline With Hair Transplants? The short answer to that question is, "Yes. You - Can Cinnamon Help Diabetes And Cholesterol
A sprinkling of cinnamon might provide you a tasty solution to a difficult health problem. What does - Premature Hair Loss: Things That You Must Remember
Hair loss is a common problem and possibly you are one of those who are quite deeply disturbed about - Methods of Hair Loss Prevention
When it comes to hair loss, in most cases genetics is driving the bus. If you come from a long line - Hair Loss Natural Treatment
Isn't it paradoxical that inspite of the fact that most of us enter the world as bald as a coot, and - Latest on Hair Transplant
Hair transplant surgery is one of the branches of cosmetic surgery that has been revolutionized in t - Hair Loss - Hair Transplants
For those who have experienced permanent hair loss whether from male pattern baldness, injury or tra - Hair Loss and You: Rogaine Hair Treatment
What is Rogaine?Rogaine, also known as minoxidil, is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss. An ove - Hair Loss and Pregnancy
For many women, everything tends to work in favor of hair health during their pregnancy. The increas