Alester Brown

Why Do Some People Go Bald?

Millions of men and women experience hair loss, so much so that estimates show the market for hair loss treatment will reach over $8.7 billion by the end of 2023. But why do people go bald? There are a variety of potential reasons.

However, two of the most common are androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Types of Hair Loss

Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women. In men, it's commonly known as male pattern baldness. This form of alopecia relates to genetic and sex hormones. In men, it can start occurring as early as the teen years. By age 50, more than 50 percent of men have some degree of hair loss.

Generally, male pattern baldness follows a pattern of receding hairline. Thinning can also occur at the crown. In women, androgenic alopecia doesn't always cause the hairline to recede. However, hair density can thin out at the top of the head.

Alopecia areata relates to the immune system. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing sudden patchy hair loss throughout the head. This condition can occur when encountering severe stress or due to underlying medical issues.

What Makes Hair Fall Out?

When hair loss occurs, the hair follicles shrink. Hair follicles are tube-like structures that regulate hair growth via interactions with hormones, immune cells and neuropeptides. Each strand of hair sits in a follicle on the top two layers of skin.

Whether dealing with male pattern baldness or alopecia areata, baldness occurs whenever the hair follicle shrinks. For androgenic alopecia, that happens slowly over time. The shrinkage causes the hair growing out of it to become shorter and finer. Eventually, the follicle stops producing hair at all.

Hair Loss Treatment

The interesting thing about hair loss is that the follicle doesn't die even after it stops producing hair. That suggests that it's still possible to regrow hair.

While medical science and pharmaceuticals continue to make advancements, plenty of treatments are available today. Prescription drugs and topical products can help reduce and prevent hair loss. There are also options like platelet-rich therapy, laser therapy and hair transplants.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on Paediatrician & online Psychiatrist consultation. You can find her thoughts at online telehealth blog.