what causes baldness in men

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of baldness in men. It is a hereditary condition that is triggered by genes and male sex hormones. The hair loss is progressive and occurs in a highly reproducible pattern, denuding the scalp and leading to baldness. Gradual conversion of terminal hairs into vellus hairs occurs in a predictable pattern, resulting in a receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown. The hair follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, have a tendency to shrink over time, and as the affected hair follicles get smaller, the life span of each hair becomes shorter. Eventually, the affected follicles stop producing hair, or at least the type of hair you’re used to. Other possible causes of hair loss in men include hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems, as well as medical issues such as anemia, protein and iron deficiency, and autoimmune diseases. Tight hairstyles like ponytails, cornrows, or braids for many years can also cause hair loss.