Baldness

Baldness or it's scientific name androgenic alopecia or in the simplest of terms, it is typified by the absence of hair where hair would normally grow. Contrary to commonly prevalent myths, baldness in humans is not caused by excessive intellectual activity, but baldness is significance of emotional stress. Baldness is also not in any way related to the lack of or excessive indulgence in sexual activity, nor are bald men somehow more sexually gifted than their hirsute counterparts. The onset of baldness can affect people in vastly different ways. Some take it in their stride, positively associating it with maturity and the natural winding down of the metabolism. Others, especially people in show business or those afflicted with low self-esteem, view baldness as a major disaster that must be corrected or camouflaged at all costs. 

People are different and that means that each individual has a different genetic makeup. That is why some people have different physical features and attributes. Unfortunately, there are certain physical traits some men would wish they did not embody. Such is the case with hair loss and baldness. When many men look in a mirror and see a receding hairline or a bald spot, they may wonder why this is occurring. Actually, there may be several reasons for hair loss and baldness. Baldness is generally caused by genetics. If your family has a history of carrying the “baldness gene” then it is likely that you will be bald as well. Specifically, the genes will yield a propensity to overproduce testosterone. This leads to the excess being converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the main culprit in the baldness issue. Now, is there really anything that can be done to alter one’s genetic makeup or heredity? No, this would be impossible but thankfully there are treatments to deal with hair loss. So, not all hope is lost. 

However, not all causes of baldness are genetic. Lifestyle choices can lead to baldness also. For example, certain drugs can cause baldness. In particular, steroids have been known to rapidly increase hair loss resulting of baldness. The once popular bodybuilding drugs Deca-Durabolin and nandrolone decanoate are among the most notorious steroids that yield this undesired effect. Of course, certain behavioral and lifestyle choices can lead to baldness. Those with anxiety disorders may scratch or pull their hair excessively which can lead to permanent hair loss also leading to permanent baldness. Excessive stress and sickness can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss. Regardless of the reason for the baldness one may be experiencing, there is no need to despair. There are treatments for baldness that can restore one’s hair to its original, full appearance. So, do not consider the onset of baldness and male pattern baldness as the beginning of the end.

Following are the other causes for baldness and hair loss:

1. Physical Trauma – If you have undergone any surgery or any sort of illness, then it may cause hair loss (usually reversible) leading to baldness. This is mainly due to the level or trauma the body have gone through and also due to the side effect of the medication taken for preventing infection, or fights the illness

 2. Pregnancy may also cause thinning hair and some level of hair loss. This will happen only after delivery as during pregnancy the progesterone levels are high – and protect the hair. Shedding in this case is temporary.

3. Baldness in women or men with long hair may occur as a result or a tendency of wearing the hair in tight fashion. A permanent stretch can cause a permanent damage to the follicles and baldness in such case is irreversible.

 4. Hard diseases such as lupus or diabetes and even HIV may also cause hair loss and baldness. Hence, it is very important to detect the baldness and diagnose the cause – as it may be an indication of illness. The medications taken as a result of the diseases may also cause hair loss as mentioned above. Baldness as a result of illness can be irreversible.

5. Heat and sun – when your scalp is exposing to heat or to the sun’s radiation, it may harm the skin – and the follicles. Make sure to wear a hat, and be careful using fans.

As you can see now, there are many reasons and causes for baldness and hair loss. Unfortunately, there are so many reasons that can put you at risk. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to prevent baldness, or to re-grow hair, so don’t panic too much because stress itself may cause baldness. Continue to read this blog as you can get more information about baldness.