Causes of Hairloss In Men
Male Pattern Baldness is a common cause of Hairloss in Men
This is one of the leading causes of baldness in men and is medically known as androgenic alopecia. In androgenic alopecia there is loss of hair over the scalp in “M-shaped” pattern. Over the period of time the baldness will progressively involve more and more areas of scalp pushing the hair line posteriorily. In response to the male hormones the hair growth becomes stunted and the hair follicles shrink, leading to thin and stunted hair which is also called miniaturisation of hair.
Stress can Trigger Hairloss in both men and women
Severe physical stress (like surgery or trauma), severe psychological stress (like a death in the family) or mental tension like sudden financial crisis, job problems or business losses can also lead to rapid hair loss. The exact patho-physiology is still not very clear as how chronic or long-term stress affects hair loss.
Hairloss can be due to Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
General malnutrition, crash diet for weight reduction or some vitamin deficiencies can not only make the hair thin and brittle but can also lead to hairloss and baldness. The most common deficiency which is thought to contribute to hair loss is iron-deficiency anemia. Deficiencies in other nutrients like vitamin B deficiencies, Vitamin E deficiency and protein deficiencies can also lead to hair loss. Some of the essential minerals like zinc, magnesium and calcium deficiencies can also trigger hair loss.
Medications can also lead to Hairloss
Many Chemotherapeutic drugs and some other medicines like anti-thyroid medications, hormonal therapies, anti-epileptics, anti-coagulants and beta-blockers can also trigger hair loss. These medications tend to affect the hair growth cycle forcing the hair follicle transition from growth phase (anagen phase) to the resting phase (telogen phase).
Some scalp Infections lead to Generalised or Local Hairloss
The most common scalp infection leading to hair loss is a fungal infection called ringworm or Tinea capitis. This dermatophyte survives in warm and moist conditions which typically arise due to poor hygiene and scalp care. They release chemicals to destroy the hair roots and also compete with them for nutrition. Once they have stayed for some time it is difficult to eradicate them and patient has to undergo long term treatment extending from few weeks to months. It is advisable to visit your dermatologist on regular basis.
Auto Immune Disease
Auto-immune diseases can also cause loss of hair from the scalp and can result in hair loss of various kinds, including cicatricial alopecia and telogen effluvium.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can cause atchy hair loss known as alopecia areata (which can affect the whole body and not just the head).
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is the name given to the habitual plucking or pulling of the hair from the head. Over time, a bald spot will develop over the involved area of scalp and if this habit is not stopped then there can be permanent loss of hair in that portion.
Tight Bands or Pulled Up Hair
Though more common in women but even in men wearing hair in tight braids (like dreadlocks or cornrows) or having hair tightly pulled back can lead to hair loss. This is also known as traction alopecia. It is caused by chronic pulling of the hair, leading to gradual hair loss, mostly at the hairline.