The Norwood Scale for Male Pattern Hair Loss |
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Understanding the Causes of Hair Loss for Men
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)
Androgenetic Alopecia is a hereditary condition responsible for 95% of hair loss in men. It results in the familiar "horse-shoe" pattern associated with balding. This condition causes a hormone to attack the hair follicles, the dying off of which results in baldness. For men, androgenetic alopecia is typically characterized by hair loss that begins at the temples and crown. The end result may be partial or complete baldness.
Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. Alopecia Areata can result in bald patches anywhere on the body.
Anagen Effluvium
This is the type of hair loss caused by chemotherapy agents. In Anagen Effluvium, medications poison the growing hair follicles, resulting in balding.
Thyroid Conditions
Since hormones play an active role in the growth of hair, thyroid disorders can cause hair loss in men or women.
Stress
Hair loss is just one of the many side effects of excessive stress. Fortunately, it's one of the causes that can be treated through lifestyle changes.
Other Medical Causes
An array of medical causes, from prescription medications to lupus, can lead to hair loss. Chemotherapy is one of the most well known medical causes of hair loss, but thinning hair can signal a wide variety of underlying health issues.
