Common Causes for Hair Loss in Men

Before looking at the different ways to treat hair loss in men, it is important to first 
understand why this happens. There are many different causes for hair loss in both 
women and men, though some of them might be a little different for men.

Once you become familiar with where the hair loss is coming from, you will be able to 
determine the best course of action for treating it. 

Male Pattern Baldness

The first common cause of hair loss in men, and one of the most common, is called 
male pattern baldness. You might have heard of this as androgenetic alopecia instead, 
which is its more scientific term. Male pattern baldness is something you can inherit, so 
there isn’t much you can do about preventing it from occurring.

While scientists and doctors know it is genetic, they aren’t sure exactly why it is 
inherited or how. Not every son or grandson of a man with male pattern baldness is 
going to end up with this condition. However, if you do have a close family member with 
this condition, you should be aware that you might get it and take extra precautions to 
treat signs of hair loss as early as possible.

Medical Causes

Other common causes for hair loss in men, are similar to hair loss in women, which 
include a number of different medical conditions. This includes having a thyroid 
condition like hypothyroidism, anemia caused by an iron deficiency, and lack of other 
nutrients like protein and zinc. 

If you have recently started a big crash diet for weight loss, that can also cause some 
hair loss. Similarly, certain drugs you are prescribed may lead to more hair loss, 
including drugs for:
High blood pressure 
Depression or anxiety 
Cancer 
Arthritis 
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Infections
Another medical cause for hair loss in men is a type of infection that might affect the 
scalp. Particularly, infections like ringworm can cause hair loss. If you have round, scaly 
patches with hair loss on your head, it could be from alopecia, but it also might be a sign 
of ringworm. This is definitely something to talk to your doctor about. The good news 
here is that if it is from the infection, it is treatable and your hair should grow back.
Major Life Changes
When you experience a big and sudden life change, it can be traumatic for your body, 
including your hair. This often leads to a high amount of stress, which is a very big 
trigger for hair loss and lack of new hair growth. Think about big stresses like being in a 
trauma or car accident, having major surgery, going through a serious illness, or going 
through a divorce or issues with other family members.
Immune System Issues
Also consider the implications of your immune system and how it affects hair loss and 
hair growth. This is where alopecia areata comes in, which is another major cause of 
hair loss. With alopecia, you tend to lose hair in quarter size and shape patches on your 
head. They can be in random spots on your head, such as on the sides, top, front, or 
back of your head. This may also be treatable, so definitely discuss it with your doctor.
Alopecia is caused by your immune system turning around and attacking your hair 
follicles in these areas, which is when the hair loss typically occurs.
There may be some other myths for the causes of hair loss, like wearing ball caps for 
too long, but most of them cannot be proven. Instead, look at more medical or lifestyle 
causes that may be responsible for your hair loss.

