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Hair loss may signal a medical condition
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Usually, thinning hair in both men and women is a normal — if unwanted — part of growing older. But, it can be a red flag of a medical condition, such as anemia, severe infection, or a sluggish or overactive thyroid.
Also, if the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, hair may disappear in clumps and leave coin-sized patches of scalp. This condition is known as alopecia areata. In most cases, the hair regrows.
Other conditions that may cause hair loss include:
- Trichotillomania, caused by anxiety, can cause people to pull their own hair to the point that it creates bald spots.
- Certain medicines also may make hair fall out. This can include birth control pills, blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs.
- Tight ponytails and braids, over time, may trigger a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Usually, this type of baldness is reversible.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor.
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 The facts about hair loss
On average, the human scalp has about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair. Most men want to hang on to every one of them. Even so, a majority experience hair loss.
Indeed, if you look in the mirror and see a receding hairline, you’ve joined a not-so-exclusive club. Some 40 million American men have male pattern baldness — so named because their hair disappears in a generally predictable way. First, it thins near the temples, then it disappears from the crown.
About one-quarter of men begin balding by age 30. Two-thirds have thinning hair at 60. Generally, the younger you are when the shedding starts, the more extensive the hair loss.
Why me?
It’s still a mystery why some men lose their hair and others don’t. Doctors do know that male hormones called androgens play a role.
Genetics also is a factor. Baldness is an inherited trait, which can be passed on from your mother — and contrary to popular belief — your father as well.
Your choices
If your hair is thinning, it can affect your self-image and be a source of anxiety. It’s important to remember, however, that the hair doesn’t make the man. Physical appearance is a combination of many factors, including confidence, good posture and healthful lifestyle choices, such as being physically fit.
Men do have options for managing hair loss, however. Some embrace it and just shave their heads. Others conceal by combing their hair over the balding spot. Others wear hairpieces.
To actually replenish hair, there are two medication options:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine®). This over-the-counter liquid or foam is rubbed into the scalp. The product slows hair loss in most men who use it and actually helps hair grow in up to 20 percent. Women with thinning hair also may benefit. Keep in mind that minoxidil stimulates hair growth only for as long as it’s being applied. It also may have side effects such as scalp irritation.
- Finasteride (Propecia®). Only for men, this prescription pill blocks the formation of the hormone in the follicle that causes hair loss. In one study, nearly half of the men who took finasteride grew hair on the scalp, and the drug was even more effective at stopping hair loss. A significant percentage of men did, however, continue to report hair loss. It also may take up to six months to see noticeable results.
In some men, finasteride may cause side effects that affect sexual function, such as loss of sex drive, impotence and a decrease in the quantity of semen. Talk with your doctor before using this product.
There also are surgical remedies for balding, including:
- Hair transplantation. In this procedure, plugs of remaining hair are placed in bald spots.
- Scalp reduction. Hairless parts of the scalp are removed to minimize the appearance of baldness.
Hair loss treatment may be costly and typically isn’t covered by insurance. So, be sure to check with your health plan to see if they’re covered.
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More for men
To learn more about hair loss or other topics, visit myuhc.com. Click “Health & Wellness,” then “Lifestyles.” Select a topic under “Men’s Health.”
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