The Top 5 Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting more than half of all guys by the time they turn 50. But while it's true that hair loss is more common in older men, that doesn't mean that younger guys are immune from going bald.

In fact, according to the American Hair Loss Association, 40% of all men will have noticeable hair loss by the time they turn 35. So what causes hair loss in men? Let's take a look at the top five reasons.

1. Age

As we age, our bodies produce less and less of the testosterone-related hormone DHT, which causes the follicles on our scalp to shrink. This process is gradual and usually begins around the age of 20. By the time we reach our 50s, we can be losing as much as half of our scalp hair.

2. Family History

Baldness is often passed down from one generation to the next, so if your father or grandfather was bald, you're more likely to be as well. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, genetic hair loss affects roughly 80 million men and women in the United States.

3. Stress

Physical or emotional stress can cause your hair to fall out in clumps or shed more rapidly than usual. This type of hair loss is typically temporary and normal growth should resume within a few months after the stressful event has passed. Examples of stressful events that can cause hair loss include car accidents, major surgery, childbirth, and severe illnesses like cancer or heart disease.

4. Medications

Certain medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss as a side effect. Common culprits include blood thinners, beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and immunosuppressants. If you think your medication might be causing hair loss, talk to your doctor about alternative options.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Hair loss can also be caused by deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals like iron, protein, vitamin B12, and zinc. A simple blood test can determine if you're deficient in any of these nutrients and supplementation may help stop or reverse hair loss caused by nutritional deficiencies.

Conclusion

While there are many potential causes of hair loss in men, these are some of the most common culprits. If you're concerned about losing your hair, talk to your doctor about possible solutions or treatments. In many cases, there are ways to stop or slow down the progression of hair loss.