If you notice your hairline receding every time you look in the mirror, you are not alone. Many men by the time they reach 50 or older face hair loss, by the time they are 70 years, 4 out of 5 men lose most of their hair.

Why? It is something you could blame on your family tree; however, there are many other causes of hair loss in men.

Genetics

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia — is triggered by the genes you get from your parents. Even though it tends to run in a lot of families, why it happens is still unclear. So if you have close family members who are balding, you are very likely to have it, too.

Researchers do not yet understand why some hormonal change causes hair follicles to shrink, or why this balding process follows the same pattern for all men. Hair loss usually starts with your hairline gradually thinning above your temples and crown.

Based on your family history, there is a chance to get affected by male pattern baldness while still in teen years. Your hair will get thinner, softer, delicate, and shorter.

Medical Issues

Your hair loss could also be a sign of a medical issue, like thyroid problems or anaemia. If your diet is low in protein and iron, it could lead to hair loss. Conditions like diabetes and lupus also place you at a higher risk for hair loss.

Hair loss could be a side effect of some medications you take for:

  • Depression
  • Gout
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems

Also, if you are taking radiation treatment or chemotherapy, widespread hair loss can happen. However, your hair will grow back over time once the treatments end.

Immune System

If your hair loss is sudden and leaves round bald patches about the size of a quarter in different places on your head, you have a genetic condition called alopecia areata.

It often starts in childhood. You are likely to have it if a close relative has it.

Your body’s immune system starts attacking your hair follicles leading to small round patches of hair to fall out. You won’t feel any pain or sickness, and it is not contagious. Also, your hair may grow again, but it may fall out again as well.

Stress or Shock

Excessive weight loss, severe physical or emotional shock, fever or flu, surgery and even stress can cause hair loss that could last for several months. Your hair will get better as time passes, and your emotional or physical state gets better.

What can you do about Hair Loss?

You can treat hair loss using medications, non-surgical and surgical procedures. If your hair loss is just beginning, you can opt for drugs like Minoxidil or Finasteride.

Howeverif you have excessive hair loss without visible baldness, you can go for these treatments:

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):

Platelets are drawn from your blood and injected into your scalp; after centrifugation. Platelet Rich Plasma will help your hair follicles gain the right amount of protein required for new hair growth.

Mesotherapy:

It involves inserting microinjections of amino acids, vitamins, and some other rejuvenating substances into your scalp. Your doctor customizes these injections according to your hair requirements. Mesotherapy will help in balancing your hormones and boosting hair growth.

You can opt for a surgical option called hair transplant if your baldness is excessive and visible. Under this treatment, a hair transplant surgeon will take hair follicles from your donor area, where you have hair and implant them into the balding spot.

In some cases, you might require both non-surgical and hair transplant treatment together to ensure good hair growth.

Hair loss can be a pain and a big blow to your self-confidence. However, it has become a treatable condition nowadays. So, pick an excellent plastic surgery clinic to get your hair checked up. They can give you useful suggestions on what actions you can take to reduce or treat your hair loss.