October 30, 2022 by Thomas

Common causes for hair loss among Singaporean male

Last Updated on: 18th May 2023, 10:40 am

Every day, in the silent symphony of your body’s operations, there’s a subtle parting with 50 to 100 strands of hair. This natural shedding process is a part of the hair follicle’s life cycle, a rhythmic exchange where, like a Phoenix, new hair growth rises from the ashes of the old. It’s an orchestra of life and regeneration, often unobserved, lost in the humdrum of life’s louder demands.

But when the tempo changes, when the hairline subtly retreats from the sides of your forehead, and the once vibrant crescendo of your hair’s volume wanes, it’s an alarming change in tune. This is the melody of male pattern hair loss, a song that as many as 85% of men will find themselves performing during their lifetime. The reasons for this switch in rhythm are numerous and unique to each individual. The story of your hair is singing out. Are you ready to listen?

What is male pattern hair loss?

Personal appearance often plays a pivotal role, the phenomenon of male pattern baldness – scientifically known as androgenic alopecia – has become a prevalent concern among men. It’s not just a simple hair loss condition; it’s the most common form of hair loss affecting males, influencing not just physical looks but also potentially impacting self-esteem and personal confidence.

Astonishingly, it’s not a rare occurrence either. A groundbreaking study revealed that male pattern baldness isn’t an exceptional case, but rather a common reality for many. More than half of all men over the age of 50 will experience this disconcerting form of hair loss to varying degrees. With numbers like these, understanding and combating male pattern baldness has never been more important. Let’s delve into this topic and discover what can be done to manage and potentially reverse this widespread condition.

What causes male pattern hair loss?

Genetics

Understanding the root causes of male pattern hair loss requires delving into the complexities of genetics, nutrition, and even lifestyle habits. The most prevalent trigger of hair thinning in men is a genetic predisposition, often visible in the family lineage. This hereditary trait is intrinsically linked to the male hormones known as androgens, which, among other roles, govern hair growth. When this delicate balance is disturbed, the hair follicles begin to shrink, producing shorter and less robust strands. Over time, this cycle can completely stall, leading to a cessation of new hair growth, marking the onset of baldness.

Nutritional deficiency

Beyond the genetic lottery, factors such as nutritional deficiencies and certain medical conditions can also contribute to hair loss. Extreme dieting, for instance, can starve your body of essential nutrients, negatively impacting the health of your hair, akin to how it affects your skin. Some medical conditions, ranging from thyroid disorders, specific cancers, to the use of anabolic steroids, can also precipitate hair loss.

Scalp diseases

Additionally, scalp diseases, like fungal infections, can cause inflammation leading to hair loss, sometimes even permanently if accompanied by symptoms like rash, redness, or unusual hair loss patterns. The autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata, often results in unpredictable hair loss, varying from small patches to complete hair loss, referred to as alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis, if it affects the entire body.

Hairstyles

Modern lifestyle choices, such as maintaining long hair or sporting tight hairstyles like braids or cornrows, can lead to hair thinning and eventual baldness. Wearing tight hairstyles, in particular, puts constant tension on the hair follicles, a condition known as traction alopecia. Over time, this persistent pulling can cause hair thinning and potentially lead to permanent hair loss. Even simply maintaining longer hair requires careful management to prevent damage and ensure overall hair health. The link between lifestyle choices and hair loss serves as a reminder that while personal style and self-expression are important, it’s equally crucial to prioritize hair health and consider the potential long-term effects of our choices.

Medication & Others

A multitude of health conditions – lupus, fungal infections, thyroid problems, prostate cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and even stress or post-operative trauma – can also signal hair loss. Certain medications, including anticoagulants and vitamin A supplements, have hair loss as a known side effect. Researchers have tied numerous genetic changes to male pattern baldness, with the androgen receptor (AR) gene standing out as a confirmed link. Studies also point to an abnormal quantity of a protein called prostaglandin D2 in the scalps of some men as a possible culprit. While the scientific understanding of hair loss continues to evolve, these myriad factors underline the importance of a holistic approach to hair care and overall health.

Hair loss treatments

Battling the inevitable onset of hair loss is a harsh reality for many men, often viewed as an unwelcome companion of aging. This acceptance, however, does not diminish the emotional turmoil that the slow surrender to baldness can stir. It’s not simply a vanity issue; it can inflict serious blows to one’s mental health. But here’s the silver lining: it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right intervention, particularly when initiated early, hair loss can be tamed, even reversed, offering hope for a lasting solution to an age-old problem.

Mature men is worried about hair loss

Here are some treatments that may help reduce hair loss:

Medical treatment

Delving into the arsenal of treatments, one may find the most potent weapons in the realm of medical science.

Minoxidil

Medications like Minoxidil, known commercially as Rogaine, offer a frontline defense. Initially developed for hypertension, Minoxidil was repurposed for hair loss when unexpected hair growth was observed among users. Applied directly onto the scalp, it may require a patience-testing period of 3 to 6 months to show results, but the steady commitment pays off.

Finasteride and Dutasteride

The oral medications Finasteride (Propecia) and Dutasteride offer another line of defense. These 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors combat hair loss by blocking the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that shrinks hair follicles, thus causing hair fall. Side effects like sexual dysfunction and skin rashes are rare but can occur.

Shampoo treatments

Alongside these potent drugs, shampoo treatments, fortified with compounds like Ketoconazole 2 percent (Nizoral) and Pyrithione zinc 1 percent (Head and Shoulders), can strengthen hair follicles and soothe scalp inflammation, although they are less effective in severe cases.

Organic Treatments

Organic and herbal hair treatments are redefining the landscape of hair care, offering a natural and holistic approach to combating hair loss. These treatments often leverage the potency of nature’s pharmacy, harnessing the power of various herbs known for their hair growth stimulating properties. Ingredients such as aloe vera, rosemary, hibiscus, and fenugreek are often featured in these treatments, each providing unique benefits. Aloe vera, for example, is renowned for its ability to soothe and moisturize the scalp, creating an ideal environment for hair growth. Rosemary, on the other hand, has been observed to stimulate hair follicles and improve circulation, promoting healthier and stronger hair growth.

In a world increasingly concerned with the potential side effects of synthetic chemicals, the move towards organic and herbal treatments is a breath of fresh air. These treatments often eschew harsh chemicals in favor of naturally derived ingredients, reducing the potential for scalp irritation and other adverse effects. Herbal treatments, in particular, are steeped in the wisdom of traditional medicine, passed down through generations. The blend of modern scientific understanding with time-tested natural remedies is offering a promising new front in the battle against hair loss, providing hope for those seeking a gentler, more natural path to hair restoration.

When to see a Doctor?

If you are deeply perturbed by progressive hair loss, don’t just suffer in silence. Reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a trichologist and explore the possibilities. Hair transplant surgery may offer a more drastic solution for those grappling with male pattern hair loss when other treatments fall short. Remember, while hair loss might seem like an inevitable fate, medical science offers you an array of tools to fight back. You need not wave the white flag just yet; a world of hair-ful possibilities awaits your discovery.

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