What causes male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is mainly
caused by **genetics plus sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)** , a
hormone that can shrink hair follicles over time. Age also plays a role, since
the effect tends to become more noticeable as men get older.
Quick Scoop
The core issue is that some hair follicles are
genetically programmed to react strongly to DHT. When that happens, the
follicles gradually miniaturize, producing thinner, shorter hairs until they
stop growing visible hair.
Main factors
- Genetics: Family history is
the biggest risk factor, and heredity accounts for a large share of
susceptibility.
[9][7] - DHT sensitivity: DHT binds to
follicles in susceptible scalp areas and pushes them into a weaker growth
cycle.
[7][9] - Aging: The condition becomes more
common and more noticeable with age.
[5][7] - Hormonal and
health influences: Thyroid problems, steroid use, and some medicines
can contribute to hair loss, though these are not the main cause of classic
male pattern baldness.
[1][7] - Lifestyle factors:
Smoking, stress, and poor nutrition may worsen overall hair health, but they
usually do not cause true male pattern baldness by themselves.
[1]
What happens in the scalp
The hair growth cycle shortens, follicles
shrink, and each new hair becomes finer than the last. Over time, this creates
the familiar pattern of thinning at the temples and crown.
In one line
Think of it as a **genetic sensitivity** to a normal
hormone level, not simply “too much testosterone.”
TL;DR
Male pattern baldness is mostly driven by inherited sensitivity
to DHT, with age making the process more visible; other factors like stress,
smoking, or illness can contribute to hair loss but are usually not the
primary cause.
