Male androgenic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in males and effects up to 30 to 50% of men by the age of 50. Androgenic alopecia is basically a genetically predetermined condition involving the body’s response to male hormones. Male androgenic alopecia is often regarded as a minor condition and not an actual disease, but men living with the impacts of hair loss can attest to the anxiety and depression it causes. Androgenic alopecia and its link to other pathologies is now being explored and although inconclusive at this point, some studies suggest that androgenic alopecia may play a role in an increased risk factor in cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, and atherosclerosis.
Androgenic alopecia is a condition caused by multiple genes. Multiple locations on chromosomes have been identified. Two of these locations were on the X chromosome, referred to as the AR gene. It was once thought that the X chromosome was solely responsible for genetic hair loss in men due to strong association. The function of the AR gene is in the production of androgen. The role of androgen in alopecia is well established but studies show that even normal levels of androgen is sufficient enough to cause androgenic alopecia in genetically susceptible males.
Attempts have been made to predict those who will have androgenic alopecia using genetic risk scores. Hair that grows along the sides and back of the scalp is genetically resistant to the effects of androgen and this is why they are mostly permanent. You may continue to lose androgen sensitive follicles in the crown and front of the scalp, but androgen resistant follicles will continue to produce hair throughout life.
If your maternal grandfather has androgenic alopecia, you are more likely to have it, and if your father has androgenic alopecia, you are twice as likely to have it also. Androgenic alopecia affects nearly two thirds of males to a significant degree and the risk increases with age.
Studies show that balding men are less likely to be chosen for jobs requiring dealing with the public and less likely to be chosen as partners in relationships. Bald men can often appear to be as much as 10 years older than they actually are. Some handle their condition well with little effect on their social functions but for those who are in greater emotional distress, anxiety and depression severely affects their lives. On the positive side men who are bald are perceived by society as good leaders, strong, bold and masculine.
Advancements in transplantation methods are benefitting and changing the lives of those who are dissatisfied with their appearance. Hair transplantation is now withing reach of the general public being more affordable than ever before. More and more men are overriding the genetic factor and taking advantage of transplantation to significantly improve the many aspects of their lives.
