What Causes Hair Loss in Men?

Hair loss is one of the most common concerns men face as they age. As of 2025, nearly 43% of Americans and 41% of Canadians have male pattern baldness. (1) Some men notice a receding hairline as early as their twenties, while others experience thinning much later in life. For many, hair loss seems to appear gradually without a clear explanation of why it is occurring.

Understanding why hair loss happens is the first and most important step toward managing it effectively. While genetics play a major role, they are far from the only factor, and starting hair regeneration treatment early substantially increases the chances of maintaining your hair. Hormones, stress, medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and even certain medications can all influence hair health.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common causes of hair loss in men, explain the differences between normal signs of hair loss and more alarming symptoms, and examine the medication and treatment options available for men experiencing hair loss.

Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is by far the most common cause of hair loss in men. It affects the majority of men at some point in their lives and is largely driven by genetics and hormones.

This condition occurs when hair follicles are genetically sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and plays an important role in male development. However, in men who are genetically predisposed, DHT causes hair follicles on the scalp to shrink over time. (2)

As follicles shrink, the hair they produce becomes thinner, shorter, and lighter. Eventually, the follicle may stop producing hair altogether. This process occurs over years and decades, gradually getting worse as men get older.

The pattern of hair loss is usually predictable. Many men first notice a receding hairline at the temples, while others experience thinning at the crown of the head. Over time, these areas may expand and connect, leaving hair on the sides and back of the scalp while the top becomes sparse or bald.

Male pattern baldness is genetic. Having a close male relative (on either your mother or father’s side) with hair loss increases the likelihood of experiencing androgenetic alopecia yourself, but there are no guarantees about the pattern or timeline. The rate of progression can vary widely from one man to another. (3)

Hormones and Hair Loss

Hormones play a central role in hair growth and loss, especially in men. While testosterone itself is not the direct cause of hair loss, its conversion into DHT is a key factor. Men with higher sensitivity to DHT in scalp hair follicles are more likely to experience thinning and baldness.

Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to hair loss beyond classic male pattern baldness. Low testosterone levels may disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding or slower regrowth. Other hormonal issues, such as elevated cortisol from chronic stress, can further interfere with healthy hair production. (4)

Hair grows in cycles that include growth, rest, and shedding phases. Hormonal disruptions can push more hairs into the shedding phase at the same time, making hair appear thinner overall. While some of this shedding may be temporary, ongoing imbalances can make maintaining or recovering hair more difficult. (5)

Regular hormone evaluations can make a major difference, especially when hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, mood changes, or difficulty maintaining muscle mass. Addressing underlying hormonal issues may not stop hair loss altogether, but it can support healthier hair and slow the progression of balding.

Stress and Hair Loss

Stress is an often overlooked contributor to hair loss. Both physical and emotional stress can affect the hair growth cycle in significant ways. Common stressors like major life changes, illnesses, surgery, or stresses from work, finances, or family issues can lead to increased shedding.

One common condition is telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss that occurs after substantial stress. This occurs when stress pushes a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase at once. Several months later, those hairs shed more noticeably, often during washing or brushing. While this type of hair loss is usually temporary, it can be alarming for men experiencing it. (6)

Stress does not typically cause permanent baldness on its own, but it can accelerate existing hair loss in men who are already genetically predisposed to hair loss. Elevated stress hormones can worsen inflammation and disrupt blood flow to the scalp, making hair follicles more vulnerable.

Managing stress can improve not only your mental health but also your hormonal balance, including maintaining healthy hair growth

Medical Conditions That Cause Hair Loss

While genetics and stress are two major factors that cause hair loss, there are also numerous medical conditions that can lead to temporary or, at times, permanent baldness. Identifying these conditions can help men treat the underlying cause causing hair loss, rather than seeking out ineffective solutions.

One example of a medical condition that can lead to hair loss is thyroid disorders. Both an underactive and overactive thyroid can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than a specific pattern. (7)

Autoimmune conditions can also cause hair loss, a condition known as alopecia areata. In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. (8) Nutritional deficiencies are another factor. Low levels of iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, or protein can impair hair production.

Chronic illnesses that place long-term stress on the body can similarly impact hair growth. These conditions may include lupus, cancer, burning scalp syndrome, or certain eating disorders. (9)

Lifestyle Factors That Contribute to Hair Loss

Daily habits can also subtly influence hair health over time. While lifestyle factors alone won’t cause baldness, they can quicken the pace of hair thinning or slow down the regrowth process.

Poor nutrition and diet can be an indirect cause of hair loss. A diet low in essential nutrients deprives hair follicles of the building blocks they need to function properly. Iron, vitamin D, and zinc are among the most important nutrients to support hair growth and restoration. (10)

Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to the scalp, which can weaken hair follicles, while excessive alcohol intake may contribute to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. Some aggressive grooming practices such as tight hairstyles or frequent heat styling can place unnecessary stress on hair shafts and follicles. (11)

Improving lifestyle habits supports overall health and may help preserve existing hair. While it may not reverse genetic hair loss, it can create a healthier environment for hair growth.

Medications and Hair Loss

It’s important to be aware of all side effects before starting any medication, as some may increase the chances of hair loss. While this does not mean these medications will necessarily cause hair loss in everyone who takes them,some men may be more sensitive to their effects.

Retinoids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and beta-blockers are among the medications that have an increased likelihood of causing hair loss. (12)

It is important not to stop or adjust any prescribed medication without medical guidance, as abruptly discontinuing treatment can pose serious health risks. If hair loss begins after starting a new medication, your healthcare provider can help determine whether the medication may be contributing to the issue and discuss possible alternatives. In some cases, medication-related hair loss is temporary, and the condition improves once the body adjusts.

When Hair Loss Is a Sign to Seek Help

Hair loss is often gradual and mostly predictable, especially when it comes to male pattern baldness. However, there are certain hair-loss related symptoms that call for professional attention. These include:

Sudden or rapid hair shedding over a short period
Patchy hair loss or bald spots that appear abruptly
Hair loss accompanied by fatigue, weight changes, or other new symptoms
Hair thinning at a younger age than expected or the issue progressing quickly

Early evaluation offers clear benefits. Identifying the cause sooner allows for more effective intervention and may slow or stabilize further loss. It also helps rule out medical conditions that require treatment beyond hair-focused therapies.

How Gameday Men’s Health Helps Address Hair Loss

At Gameday Men’s Health, we strive to find the underlying cause when it comes to hair loss. Thinning hair could be related to genetics, hormones, medical issues, lifestyle habits, or a combination of factors, so finding the right solution depends on each patient’s individual situation.

At Gameday, we provide PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss. This treatment plan involves taking a small amount of blood and placing it into a centrifuge to isolate healing growth factors. These growth factors are then injected into targeted areas of your scalp to stimulate weakened hair follicles and help reactivate growth cycles.

This therapy is natural, non-surgical, and personalized for male pattern baldness and other thinning patterns. Most men begin with an initial series of three to four sessions spaced several weeks apart and may continue maintenance treatments over time. The process is performed in-office with minimal downtime and has a low risk of side effects.

PRP at Gameday is part of a broader hair restoration strategy. Your provider can explain how PRP fits with other options that may support better hair density and slower shedding based on your specific pattern and goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about what causes hair loss, or if you’re curious about how PRP could benefit you, contact your local Gameday Men’s Health location today to schedule a consultation.

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