Causes of Baldness

Baldness is caused by a mixture of genetics and hormones that we have very little control of. Though scientists are pretty close to identifying the genes responsible for baldness, (there’s more than one), the actual process of baldness is still quite a mystery. They are pretty sure that it is one particularly enzyme’s overzealous conversion of testosterone into (DHT) or dihydrotestosterone, an important part of male fetus development that causes baldness.

What Causes Baldness?

In short, if you have a family history of baldness on either side of your family, you may have an increased risk for male pattern hair loss.

Male baldness is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens) in certain parts of the scalp, and is passed on from generation to generation. Some men have areas on the scalp that are very sensitive to the male sex hormones that circulate in men's blood. The hormones make the hair follicles - from which hair grows - shrink. Eventually, they become so small that they cannot replace lost hairs. The follicles are still alive, but are no longer able to perform their task.

The condition usually starts in men aged 20 to 30 and follows a typical pattern. First, a receding hairline develops, and gradually the hair on top of the head also begins to thin. Eventually, the two balding areas meet to form a typical U-shape around the back and sides of the head. The hair that remains is often finer, and does not grow as quickly as it used to.

Women can also suffer hair loss, especially those with many relatives who are also prone to losing their hair.

The female pattern sets in at a later age than in men and is usually limited to the top of the head. Total baldness is rarely seen in women.

Next: Preventing Baldness. How to Treat Baldness?