Androgenetic alopecia. The role of testosterone and heredity in baldness. Why are there so many young balding men around? Testosterone, stress, heredity

Men's luxurious hair is a subject of secret pride of its owner and hidden envy of the owner of a bald head. The statement that a bald or balding man looks smart, erudite and sexy is unlikely to reassure someone who has noticed thinning hair.

Meanwhile, regardless of gender, a person loses about 100-150 hairs every day. This is not a pathological, but a physiological process. The hair that fell out has already "lived its life." A new one will grow in its place, and your hairstyle will not suffer.

But in some men, starting from the age of 25-30, androgenetic alopecia is manifested - male pattern baldness. Hair falls out "horseshoe" starting from the temporal part of the forehead, crown and crown. Over time, the area of the bald spot increases.

What are the causes of male pattern baldness?

Stressful situations can cause reversible hair loss in men. Under the influence of psychological factors, the body produces (a relative of testosterone), which causes hair loss. Vegetation may disappear evenly or in small patches, forming bald patches. Over time, when the causes of stress disappear, the normal functioning of the body resumes and the hair grows back.
Endocrine pathologies. Particularly affect the malfunction of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism and hair loss are inextricably linked.
Fungal diseases of the skin of the head - ringworm, seborrhea and some others.
Hormonal disruptions in the body. These can be artificially induced conditions when a significant amount of steroids are taken, often used by men to quickly build muscle.
Harmful working conditions, when a person is exposed to prolonged exposure to toxic and poisonous substances.

But the main factor in baldness in a strong half of humanity is still called the level of testosterone.

Experts have proven that there are three most important and common causes for male pattern baldness:

genetic predisposition;
hormonal levels (increased or decreased amount of testosterone);
age, which is also inextricably linked to the production of the male sex hormone.

If you believe the statistics, a third of the male population of the planet, by the age of 45, systematically begin to lose hair, and by retirement age, baldness, to one degree or another, adorns every second person.

Early baldness is characteristic of those men who have experienced intense hair loss from generation to generation in their family. This does not mean that you will certainly begin to flaunt baldness at 30, but your body is at risk.

Testosterone is needed by all cells of the male body. Muscle tissues use the free hormone, building up mass. But other tissues require a converted and more active hormone. It is he who affects libido, increases potency and sexual desire, improves sperm quality. And sadly, it has a detrimental effect on the hair.

Under its influence, the scalp around the hair follicles becomes less elastic, which affects hair growth and quality - they become thin and weak. Over time, the follicle stops working altogether, although it does not die. Theoretically, the resumption of its functions is possible.

Therefore, the conclusion suggests itself: the absence of hair in a man indicates his sexuality and irrepressible energy in bed. But studies have shown that potency and testosterone in this case are normal - both in bald men and in hairy ones.

Interesting fact. The less hair a man has on his head, the more it will grow in other places: in the nose, in the ears, on the chest and back.

And baldness is also possible. To a greater extent, this applies to male-type hair: on the chest, legs, face. There are other unpleasant symptoms:

deterioration in general well-being;
fast fatiguability;
sudden mood swings, a tendency to depression;
loss of muscle mass against the background of a general weight gain due to body fat;
deterioration of sexual functions.

The effect of testosterone at a reduced level is baldness of the front of the head.

Alopecia provokes testosterone in both high and low concentrations in the blood. Alas, there is no universal cure that can completely rid a man of baldness. But there are means to suspend the process. True, they are not safe for health, and can provoke a lot of trouble. But the choice is yours.

Medicines that reduce the rate of hair loss. They block the production of dihydrotestosterone, significantly reducing its effect on the hair follicles. To date, two such methods are known. However, their regular intake can provoke a decrease in libido and impotence. A significant disadvantage for men in the reproductive period - these drugs affect the quality of sperm, damaging the spermatozoa.
Means of local application. It is applied directly to the scalp, stimulates the blood supply to all layers of the dermis and improves the quality of the hair follicles, which affects hair growth. But there is a significant minus - the drug acts exactly as long as it is used regularly. Contraindicated in people suffering from cardiovascular pathologies.

Hair transplantation from the back of the head to the bald spot. A method that requires multiple procedures, since it is impossible to cover the entire area of the bald head in one session. A significant drawback is the high price and time frame.
"Suturing" the bald head is a radical surgical method. With the help of special technologies, the skin on the head in the area of baldness is stretched, and then simply cut out. Let's face it, it's not for the faint of heart.
The use of stem cells is a new, expensive and little-studied method in terms of consequences for the general condition of the body.

Contraindications and side effects

Surgical methods are used only in a hospital setting and are carried out by experienced trichologists. During the preparation for the planned procedure, they will conduct a full range of studies and tell you whether it is possible for you to carry out this or that intervention and what its consequences will be.

But before using any method, you need to contact an andrologist to determine the level of testosterone and find out the true cause of baldness. Taking medications, even if they are local or folk recipes that increase or decrease testosterone levels, is only necessary under the supervision of a doctor.

Contraindications include:

blood diseases;
kidney and liver diseases;
cardiovascular pathologies;
hypertension;
oncological diseases;
individual intolerance to drugs;
history of allergic reactions (use with caution).

Also, drugs that especially increase testosterone levels can cause the following side effects:

manifestations of aggression, increased excitability and irritability;
increased blood pressure, up to a hypertensive crisis;
acne and swelling;
increased hair loss.

It should be remembered that the medicine should not be taken uncontrollably and unjustifiably. Consulting a specialist will save you from many troubles. Indeed, in the case of testosterone, any changes in its level can cause serious problems, up to the oncological diseases.

Bibliography

A guide for emergency physicians. help. Edited by V.A. Mikhailovich, A.G. Miroshnichenko. 3rd edition. St. Petersburg, 2005.
Features of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with hypogonadism 2010 / Gamidov S.I., Tazhetdinov O.Kh., Pavlovichev A.A., Popova A.Yu., Tkhagapsoeva R.A.
TESTOSTERONE AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF A WOMAN KHAIDAROVA F.A., NIGMATOVA S.S.
Whitehead H.M., Boreham C., McIlrath E.M. et al. Growth hormone treatment of adults with growth hormone deficiency: results of a 13-month placebo controlled cross-over study // Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1992; 36:45-52.
Marinchenko G.B. Radioiodination of peptide hormones // Guidelines.

Roman is a bodybuilding trainer with over 8 years of experience. He is also a nutritionist, among his clients there are a lot of famous athletes. Roman is with the author of the book "Sport and nothing but ..

The fact that the true male hormone testosterone is fully responsible for the external and internal signs of a man's masculinity is probably known to every representative of the strong half of humanity since school. But the fact that baldness and testosterone in men are also inextricably linked, only a few guess or know. How exactly baldness and testosterone interact with each other and how to competently deal with androgenetic alopecia, we analyze in the article below.

How does testosterone affect hair loss?

Genetically, every man has a gene that is responsible for the susceptibility of the hair follicle to a derivative of the hormone testosterone - dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The more this sensitivity works, the greater and more negative will be the reaction of the hair follicle to DHT. Thus, if the hair reacts intensively to the desired hormone, the faster the man goes bald. The reaction of the hair follicle is that when interacting with DHT, it is intensely compressed. Thus, hair growth first stops, and then its nutrition and life stop.

Important: the presence and intensity of such a specific gene is inherited.

Hair loss, of course, does not happen instantly. The whole process can take from 7 to 12 years. But this time is usually enough for testosterone and the hair that falls out to make a man completely bald. The main insidiousness of this process is that the mouths of the follicle of the fallen hair are completely overgrown with this type of baldness. As a result, then even intensive therapy will not give a result, since even vellus hair will not grow in these places.

Signs and stages of androgenetic alopecia

We found out that testosterone and hairiness in men are interconnected. Now is the time to understand what are the signs of androgenetic alopecia. Since a man can go bald for various reasons, respectively, and the overall picture of baldness will look different. So, it is for androgenetic alopecia, which occurs against the background of increased DHT in the body, that the following obvious signs are characteristic:

Hair loss in the areas of the parietal tubercles and in the forehead area;
Explicit tracing of heredity along the male line (tracked by the photo of the father, grandfather, great-grandfather, etc.);
Increased concentration of DHT in the blood during the analysis;
The baldness process proceeds through the stages below.

So, for baldness associated with hormones in the male body, hair loss is not random, but in stages. It looks like this:

Stage I. Testosterone and baldness are just coming into contact here. Hair begins to thin from the side of the forehead. The line of their growth, as it were, moves towards the parietal zone. Here the vegetation also begins to thin out along the lateral parietal tubercles. But in appearance it is still in order, although the hair has become thinner and sparse to the touch.
Stage II. Now, with the process of hair loss on the parietal zone, the hair growth line already forms a kind of triangle. Hair also begins to thin at the temples.
Stage III. In the zone of the parietal tubercles, the process of nutrition of the hair follicles is completely stopped. Even the thin fluffy hair remaining until this time falls out completely.
Stage IV The completely bald parietal zone is clearly defined by the hair still growing on the head. But the hair is now beginning to thin from the side of the forehead and at the temples according to the same principle as on the crown of the head.
Stage V. The vegetation on the crown gradually thins and becomes fluffy, and the hairline on the temples and crown moves higher and higher.
Stage VI The rest of the hair on the head has the appearance of a thin and sparse hair path.
Stage VII. The boundaries of the areas of baldness and the remaining hair on the head completely merge. The remaining hair leaves its mouth over time.

Ways to treat and prevent baldness

In order for testosterone and baldness in men not to do their insidious work and not completely deprive a man of his hair, it is necessary to contact an andrologist and trichologist as soon as possible. A competent specialist will send the patient for a blood test for DHT and testosterone. If the diagnosis is confirmed, then, in order not to lose hair completely, the treatment is carried out according to the following scheme:

Assignment to the patient dihydrotestosterone blockers. They actively inhibit the action of DHT and thereby protect the hair follicle of the hair. With this task today, the drug Finasteride is doing an excellent job.
Assign to the patient antiandrogen drugs. Drugs in this group stop testosterone-baldness by stopping the connection of DHT molecules with receptors on the cells of each hair follicle on the head. In most cases, these are topical preparations. Spironolactone has proven itself well.
Assign to the patient hair growth stimulants. The action of such drugs is aimed at those hair follicles that have already succumbed to the effects of DHT. The components of the preparations actively renew the metabolic processes of the hair follicles, enhancing nutrition and hair growth.

Important: drugs from this group do not stop the detrimental effect of DHT on healthy follicles. Therefore, it is desirable to use hair growth stimulants precisely in complex therapy against the pathology in which they go bald from testosterone.

Having figured out how testosterone affects hair growth, on what basis alopecia occurs and what the main therapy looks like, it is worth understanding that in order to maintain the growth and density of the hair, you can additionally nourish the hair roots and strengthen them using folk methods. To increase blood flow in the area of hair follicles, you can make masks from mustard powder or red pepper. They give a lasting effect, but subject to the simultaneous implementation of the treatment prescribed by the doctor. At the same time, it is important to understand that it is also better to coordinate all additional actions in relation to hair and baldness with your doctor.

Luxurious thick hair is not only a matter of pride for women. Thinning hair becomes a real problem for the strong half of humanity. Hair loss indicates natural age-related changes, occurs by the age of 45–50. But in some men it is already observed at the age of 25–30, the affected area affects the crown, temples, forehead, and crown. Early alopecia is often associated with the influence of hormones. How does testosterone affect male pattern baldness?

The influence of testosterone

Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic predisposition, a decrease or increase in hormones, associated with pathological changes or age-related processes. Testosterone is responsible for the growth of vegetation throughout the body. Another form of it - dihydrotestosterone - leads to hair loss.

Certain factors influence the transformation of hormones. In the course of research, it was found that their level in balding and non-balding men is approximately the same. The individual sensitivity of the follicles, due to the gene predisposition, matters.

Drop mechanism:

hair follicles are compressed;
the trunks become thinner, lighter;
hair loss is observed.

Testosterone is important for protein synthesis in tissues, is responsible for the processes of metabolism, blood circulation. Found in the blood in various forms, it is necessary for building muscle fibers.

When interacting with specific enzymes, it is converted to dihydrotestosteren. Its influence is many times stronger than the unsynthesized form. He is responsible not only for the growth and density of the hairline, but also for the male libido, the musculoskeletal system. Blocks the flow of nutrients, oxygen to the follicles. Under its action, the condition of the bulbs and tables worsens, due to the contraction of the muscle fibers around the bulbs.

The weakening of the roots leads to a decrease in density, the destruction of the structure of the trunks. Gradually, the follicle ceases to function, but remains viable. Androgenetic alopecia is a reversible process that can be corrected.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Hair loss and a violation of the level of male hormones are often due to hereditary predisposition. It has its own characteristics that distinguish it from other types of alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia:

hair loss zones - crown and forehead area;
thinning and loss takes place in stages;
fluffy hair appears in place of the fallen trunks;
the presence of this problem in the male half of the genus;
increase in dihydrotestosterone levels.

Associated symptoms:

deterioration in general well-being;
emotional instability, irritability, apathy;
fast fatiguability;
replacement of muscle mass with body fat, weight gain;
decreased libido.

Attention! When referring to a trichologist, the doctor, using a microvideo camera, conducts a trichogram per 1 sq. see in the area of baldness. Then displays the image on the monitor, counts the number of trunks, assesses the state of the epithelium.

Tests for alopecia:

general blood analysis;
blood chemistry;
blood test for infections;
blood sampling to determine the level of iron;
on thyroid hormones;
tests for cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone;
testosterone test;
spectral analysis of hair;
scalp biopsy - detection of fungal microorganisms.

If the dihydrotestosterone results are elevated, or the sensitivity of the bulbs to hormones is increased, a diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is made. You will also need to consult an endocrinologist, urologist, neurologist, for a complete examination, complex treatment of hormonal imbalance.

Causes of impaired testosterone levels

The increase in the concentration of androgens can be influenced by both external and internal factors. Among the common causes, the use of medications or drugs to increase muscle mass. Lifestyle has a huge impact on balance.

Lack of rest, chronic stress, fatigue, malnutrition, bad habits.

More than 60% of cases of androgenetic alopecia are associated with a genetic predisposition. The sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone is laid in DNA. The more the root is exposed to its effects, the faster the loss occurs.

Effect of age on hair loss

Men in their 20s and 40s hormone secretion is cyclical. The maximum increase in testosterone is observed in the morning, the minimum concentration is from 15 to 17 hours. The increase in excretion occurs up to 30 years, then gradually declines. With age, the production of estrogens increases, respectively, replacement processes occur.

After 40 years noticeable hormonal changes occur, not only hair loss is observed. The emotional state is characterized as a midlife crisis.

By the age of 50-60 the concentration decreases by 2 times, in comparison with the amount of hormones produced in youth. Some of the accompanying symptoms are difficulties in the fight against excess weight, a decrease in muscle mass. Less pronounced cyclic increase / decrease in hormonal levels during the day. After 70 years, against the background of a decrease in the synthesis of male hormones, female hormones are actively produced.

How to normalize

If hair loss is detected due to hormonal imbalance, an endocrinologist should be consulted. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination, prescribe medication. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor, the first results will be noticeable only after a few months. The use of drugs for alopecia is effective in an integrated approach. Good results are given by physiotherapy - electrophoresis, acupuncture, massage, sessions using a laser.

Measures to restore testosterone levels:

eat lean meats, seafood, nuts;
replace simple carbohydrates with complex ones;
refuse flour products, sweets;
enrich the diet with fresh vegetables, fruits;
take a multivitamin complex, including vitamins A, E, C, groups B, D, minerals, arginine.

Particular attention should be paid to the physical form. Strength exercises normalize testosterone levels, help restore the muscle frame. Be sure to alternate training with rest, excessive loads can lead to the opposite effect.

Attention! Good sleep, a stable emotional state, the rejection of bad habits - will stabilize the hormonal background. The fight against androgenetic alopecia is a long process, it is difficult to predict the results.

How to prevent

The main way to prevent hormonal imbalance is to follow the daily routine. It is recommended to go to bed and get up at about the same time. A full 8-hour sleep normalizes the level of androgens.

Prevention of testosterone fluctuations:

Sun exposure activates the synthesis of vitamin D, which indirectly affects the synthesis of testosterone.
Watch your weight, avoid obesity. Do not use various supplements to increase muscle mass.
Eat foods to restore male hormones: fish, green vegetables, cabbage, nuts and seeds, seafood, bananas. Cottage cheese and lean meats also help avoid androgen fluctuations.
Be careful when using household chemicals and cosmetics. They often contain bisphenol (analogous to estrogens). The use of lotions, gels, shampoos with this additive should be limited.

Androgenetic alopecia requires complex diagnostics and drug treatment. In addition to therapy and physiotherapy, you will need to adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

Useful videos

Why does hair fall out?

Testosterone and hair loss.

Roughly speaking, a third of the male population begins to lose hair by the age of 45. By retirement age, almost all men experience hair loss in one form or another. Men who are prone to have hereditary genes that are hypersensitive to the male hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT, DHT). When testosterone is converted to DHT, it "compresses" the hair follicles, which leads to shortening and thinning of the hair, and then to a complete cessation of their growth. The hair follicles do not die, so, in theory, hair growth can be resumed.

Testosterone is found in the blood in various forms. Our muscles use free or unbound testosterone. Other tissues need converted dihydrotestosterone. This transformation occurs due to interaction with the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. In the blood, testosterone also normally binds to albumin. The total level of testosterone in the blood is measured on the basis of taking into account all its forms and relationships.

There is an opinion that men who have suffered early baldness have more "masculinity", since their mighty testosterone already "knocked out" all the hair. However, this is not quite true; studies have shown that both balding and non-balding men have approximately the same testosterone levels. The problem is different: it's just that in those who observe early hair loss, hair follicles are more sensitive to hormonal effects.

There is more interesting data: according to American scientists from the Medical School at the University of Michigan, men who lose hair in their 30s are more likely to avoid prostate cancer. They also studied 2,000 men aged 40 to 47 years, as a result of which it turned out that there is a relationship with increased testosterone, early baldness, and a reduced risk of tumors. The findings were published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology. Half of the subjects suffered from prostate cancer. The researchers compared data from those who were bald by age 30 with those who didn't lose their hair. It turned out that bald men (in particular, it was about male pattern baldness) were 29% -45% less likely to develop prostate cancer.

At the same time, Dr. Alison Ross from the Institute for Cancer Research (UK) said that the relationship between hair loss and prostate cancer is not fully understood.

Can low testosterone lead to baldness?

Yes, this is possible, however, it mainly concerns “male” hair, i.e., beard, hair on the chest, back, legs, arms, etc. Low levels of this hormone can also lead to other problems, such as fixation on problems, fatigue, depression, muscle loss, weight gain, accumulation of fat in the chest area, decreased sex drive and erection.

According to a publication in the Journal of Andrology, baldness is a hormonal disorder that is associated with free testosterone. A reduced content of this hormone in the blood in a free form leads to baldness in the front of the head.

How to treat male pattern baldness?

As such, there is no guaranteed cure. However, testosterone-related hair loss can be reversed with treatment. To do this, you need to stop the transformation of free testosterone into dihydrotestosterone with the help of drugs such as Finasteride (Propecia). It is taken once a day and positive results appear after a few months. True, if you stop taking this, then the hair will begin to fall out again. This treatment is not safe for women. Therefore, before starting to treat hair loss, be sure to consult a doctor.

What are the causes of male pattern baldness?

Stressful situations can cause reversible hair loss in men. Under the influence of psychological factors, adrenaline (a relative of testosterone) is produced in the body, which causes hair loss. Vegetation may disappear evenly or in small patches, forming bald patches. Over time, when the causes of stress disappear, the normal functioning of the body resumes and the hair grows back.
Endocrine pathologies. Particularly affect the malfunction of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism and hair loss are inextricably linked.
Fungal diseases of the skin of the head - ringworm, seborrhea and some others.
Hormonal disruptions in the body. These can be artificially induced conditions when a significant amount of steroids are taken, often used by men to quickly build muscle.
Harmful working conditions, when a person is exposed to prolonged exposure to toxic and poisonous substances.

But the main factor in baldness in a strong half of humanity is still called the level of testosterone.

Testosterone levels and baldness

Experts have proven that there are three most important and common causes for male pattern baldness:

genetic predisposition;
hormonal levels (increased or decreased amount of testosterone);
age, which is also inextricably linked to the production of the male sex hormone.

Testosterone is needed by all cells of the male body. Muscle tissues use the free hormone, building up mass. But other tissues require a converted and more active hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is he who affects libido, increases potency and sexual desire, improves sperm quality. And sadly, it has a detrimental effect on the hair.

Interesting fact. The less hair a man has on his head, the more it will grow in other places: in the nose, in the ears, on the chest and back.

Low testosterone and baldness are also possible. To a greater extent, this applies to male-type hair: on the chest, legs, face. There are other unpleasant symptoms:

deterioration in general well-being;
fast fatiguability;
sudden mood swings, a tendency to depression;
loss of muscle mass against the background of a general weight gain due to body fat;
deterioration of sexual functions.

The effect of testosterone at a reduced level is baldness of the front of the head.

Hair Loss Treatment

Medicines that reduce the rate of hair loss. They block the production of dihydrotestosterone, significantly reducing its effect on the hair follicles. To date, two such methods are known. However, their regular intake can provoke a decrease in libido and impotence. A significant disadvantage for men in the reproductive period - these drugs affect the quality of sperm, damaging the spermatozoa.
Means of local application. It is applied directly to the scalp, stimulates the blood supply to all layers of the dermis and improves the quality of the hair follicles, which affects hair growth. But there is a significant minus - the drug acts exactly as long as it is used regularly. Contraindicated in people suffering from cardiovascular pathologies.

Hair transplantation from the back of the head to the bald spot. A method that requires multiple procedures, since it is impossible to cover the entire area of the bald head in one session. A significant drawback is the high price and time frame.
"Suturing" the bald head is a radical surgical method. With the help of special technologies, the skin on the head in the area of baldness is stretched, and then simply cut out. Let's face it, it's not for the faint of heart.
The use of stem cells is a new, expensive and little-studied method in terms of consequences for the general condition of the body.

Contraindications and side effects

Surgical methods are used only in a hospital setting and are carried out by experienced trichologists. During the preparation for the planned procedure, they will conduct a full range of studies and tell you whether it is possible for you to carry out this or that intervention and what its consequences will be.

Contraindications include:

blood diseases;
kidney and liver diseases;
cardiovascular pathologies;
hypertension;
oncological diseases;
individual intolerance to drugs;
history of allergic reactions (use with caution).

Also, drugs that especially increase testosterone levels can cause the following side effects:

manifestations of aggression, increased excitability and irritability;
increased blood pressure, up to a hypertensive crisis;
acne and swelling;
increased hair loss.

ogormone.ru

Myths and truths about baldness

There are many myths and misconceptions associated with baldness - from the fact that standing on your head hair begins to fall out, ending with the fact that you can go bald from constantly wearing a cap. Most of these claims are not confirmed.

Given the importance of the problem of hair preservation, in recent decades, a breakthrough has been made in the study of both the causes of baldness and ways to stop it. We can definitely say that we are much more fortunate than our grandfathers and fathers.

Who goes bald faster?

It is believed that on average there are from 100 to 150 thousand hairs on a person’s head, blondes have more of them, brunettes and redheads have less. Every day, about 100 hairs fall out, but new ones grow in their place. If the hair does not grow, then the person goes bald.

Approximately 25% of men who have reached the age of 30 have varying degrees of baldness. Among men over the age of 60, more than 70% are either bald or begin to lose hair (1) . The medical term for hair loss is alopecia.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by both external factors (stress, malnutrition) and internal, genetic, causes. More than 60% of male hair loss is due to hereditary pattern baldness (2) .

It used to be thought that baldness was passed down the female line, but recent research shows that addiction is passed down the male line. If your father or grandfather had hair problems, your chance of going bald is 2.5 times higher than average (3) .

Baldness and testosterone

Our DNA contains such a parameter as the sensitivity of the hair follicle to one of the forms of the male sex hormone testosterone - dihydrotestosterone. The stronger the hair root lends itself to its influence, the faster the hair dies.

Hair loss occurs gradually - the hair becomes thinner, shorter and lighter. In the absence of proper treatment, after 10-12 years, the mouths of the follicles become overgrown with connective tissue, and they can no longer even produce fluffy hair.

Nutrition and hair loss

Other causes of baldness primarily include past illnesses, the use of medications, stress, strict diets, as well as a lack of a number of trace elements - B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc and selenium.

In addition, do not forget that the hair is a protein structure, and with a lack of protein in the diet, a significant weakening of both the hair itself and the hair follicle occurs. In the long run, this can lead to baldness.

Does sports affect hair?

Although strength training leads to increased testosterone levels, there are currently no studies showing that strength training can accelerate the development of baldness in men prone to hair loss (4) .

On the contrary, there is evidence showing that a sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity may cause earlier hair loss in men (5) . In any case, this topic needs further study.

fitseven.ru

Origin mechanism

Testosterone is one of the main male hormones, in addition to a direct effect on erection strength and sexual desire, it is on it that the low timbre of the voice in men, their hairiness, the growth rate of mustaches and beards, as well as other secondary sexual characteristics depend.

Experts note that in recent decades, androgenetic alopecia in men is increasingly being diagnosed at a young age, which is largely due to the modern rhythm of life and bad habits. The reasons that men begin to rapidly lose hair on their heads are a change in the general hormonal background, due to an increase in the amount of a special form of testosterone - dihydrotestosterone. Testosterone and beard are also interconnected. The causes of baldness can be determined as follows:

A significant increase in the concentration of dihydrotestosterone in the blood.
High susceptibility of hair follicles to the effects of this hormone.
Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone under the action of a special enzyme 5alpha reductase, if this enzyme significantly increases its activity, the level of dihydrotestosterone begins to rise rapidly.

The concentration of testosterone in men can increase under the influence of one of the following reasons or a combination of them:

Genetic Cause of Increased Testosterone Levels.
Diseases of the internal organs: problems in the gastrointestinal tract or genitourinary system.
Existing inflammatory or any infectious diseases.
Overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet.
Lack of certain vitamins in the body.
Wrong lifestyle, unhealthy habits, in particular alcohol abuse and smoking.
Constant stress, a tendency to depression, violation of the regime of work and rest, chronic fatigue.
Taking certain medications.
Frequent hypothermia or overheating.
Problems with metabolism.

The tendency to androgenetic alopecia in men in almost 95% of cases is determined by a genetic predisposition, and in 75% this is due to maternal heredity.

Manifestations of pathology

Symptoms of alopecia in men are determined quite simply: the main symptom of pathology is the gradual thinning and hair loss (including beard, mustache), which usually begins with the parietal region or in the area of the temples and forehead. The man does not experience any physical discomfort, hair loss is not accompanied by any skin inflammation or itching. Gradually, a man develops significant bald patches and a bald patch, which gradually increases, while hairiness on the legs, arms and chest not only does not decrease, but can also noticeably increase.

There are several stages that androgenetic alopecia goes through in its development:

At the initial stage, bald patches are small in size, they are located along the hairline above the forehead and in the temples.
Alopecia begins to expand a few centimeters, and the bald patches are in the shape of a triangle.
Hair begins to fall out strongly in the area of the temples and forehead.
The top of the head starts to go bald.
Three areas of baldness begin to be well defined: crown, forehead and temples.
All hairless areas are combined into one.
Alopecia covers an increasing area.
The bald head takes the form of a horseshoe, around which the remnants of hair are located, which in this area can remain quite thick.

Symptoms of androgenic alopecia can manifest individually, very often in men, along with a decrease in the amount of hair in certain areas of the head, hairiness in other parts of the body increases, the same symptoms are often present in women suffering from this disease.

Although androgenetic hair loss has very specific external symptoms, a number of studies are recommended to establish an accurate diagnosis to exclude the presence of various dermatological pathologies.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is primarily aimed at analyzing the condition of hair follicles, which is within the competence of trichologists, but for an accurate diagnosis and determination of the causes of baldness, it is also necessary to study the genetic background and the endocrine system. The diagnosis can be established only on the basis of a comprehensive examination using laboratory diagnostic methods.

Diagnosis begins with the collection of an anamnesis, during which the following questions are clarified:

Intensity and localization of areas of hair loss.
The duration of the baldness process and the nature of its course.
Change in hairiness of other parts of the body.
The intensity of the growth of mustaches and beards.
Analysis of factors of hereditary predisposition.
The degree of oiliness of the hair on the head.
The condition of the skin in the head area, the presence of dandruff and foci of inflammation.

Analysis of the hormonal background, including the determination of the level of thyroid hormones and androgens, primarily testosterone.
General and biochemical analysis of blood.
Carrying out an immunogram.
Blood test for the Wasserman reaction.

In addition to general tests, for the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia, it is also necessary to conduct specific studies, including the following methods:

Phototrichogram, which allows you to identify androgenetic alopecia at the initial stage, as well as to conduct its differential diagnosis with other diseases that can cause hair loss.
Trichoscopy, which determines the oiliness of the hairline and scalp.
Blood cultures to detect possible fungal infection.

Making an accurate diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is possible only by summarizing the results of all these tests, on the basis of which complex treatment can be prescribed.

Correction methods

The question of whether androgenetic alopecia can be permanently cured and a beautiful beard and hair on the head can be returned is one of the most frequently asked in various medical forums, where you can also find numerous suggestions for correcting baldness and recipes for hair loss, including the most exotic ones. Experts warn that it is impossible to completely cure the androgenic type of alopecia, since the main factor in the occurrence of this disease - hereditary predisposition - cannot be corrected.

However, modern medical science has developed many methods for correcting the process of baldness caused by androgenic causes, which can stop the development of the disease and restore hair by transplantation.

The main methods of treating male pattern baldness caused by hormonal disorders include the following:

Drug therapy.
Various dietary supplements, lotions, masks and other cosmetics.
Treatment with a laser.
Transplantation of own hair follicles.
Numerous folk methods of treatment and other non-traditional methods.

All of these methods of treatment aim to slow down the process of destruction of genetically weakened roots and activate the work of hair follicles.

Drug therapy using tablets and topical products is aimed at stopping the development of baldness, no drug is able to restore lost hair or activate new hair growth in areas of alopecia.

Drug treatment usually continues for a long time, and the first effect of therapy can be seen only after a few months.

Of the modern effective drugs that affect hair growth, the following can be distinguished:

Minoxidil.

In recent years, male pattern baldness has been treated quite successfully with this drug, although it was created as an oral antihypertensive drug. But numerous studies conducted in the US and some European countries have proven that the forms of the drug, made for external use, can stop or significantly slow down the process of baldness. The drug has a significant number of contraindications and side effects, so it should be used carefully and only as directed by a doctor.

Finasteride.

This drug is widely used in prostate cancer, the therapeutic effect in androgenetic alopecia is based on the ability of the drug to slow down the production of a special enzyme that converts normal testosterone to dehydrotestosterone. The drug can largely stop the process of baldness, but one of its side effects is a decrease in male potency.

Hormone therapy aimed at lowering testosterone levels has not shown high efficiency in the treatment of male pattern baldness, since only estrogens can suppress the excessive production of male sex hormones, which negatively affects men's health: their potency decreases, hairiness of other parts of the body decreases, in addition, taking female sex hormones is highly undesirable for the growth of beards and mustaches.

Drug therapy can be used in combination with physiotherapy: electrophoresis, massage, acupuncture and other methods of treatment.

The most effective treatment for alopecia is with a laser, since its effect can activate the processes of cellular metabolism and improve the blood supply to the hair roots.

The most radical method of hair restoration is hair transplantation, when hair is transplanted onto bald areas of the scalp from other parts of the body or from areas of the scalp that have retained hairiness. However, no doctor can guarantee that these hairs will take root, the effectiveness of the procedure depends on the individual characteristics of the patient.

So, the effect of testosterone on the hairiness of a man is undeniable, if its level in the blood is significantly increased, there is a high risk of baldness, while the beard and mustache can grow at an increased rate, and the general hairiness of the body and limbs can also increase. The question of whether androgenetic alopecia can be cured remains open, no treatment can lead to complete hair restoration, although a balding man is ready to use any methods. The fight against alopecia is a long and laborious process with an unpredictable result. Wouldn't it be better to take this process for granted and admit that a bald man does not lose his sex appeal, especially if he has a good beard?