How Androgenetic Alopecia Differs Between Men and Women

In a world where our external appearance often acts as an extension of our identity, hair holds a crucial place. But what happens when our crowning glory starts to thin and eventually disappear?

In both men and women, this phenomenon is most frequently attributed to a condition known as androgenetic alopecia. It’s a genetic, patterned hair loss disorder, influenced by hormones. Despite the common perception, it doesn’t discriminate based on gender.

However, the manifestation, progression, and psychological impact of androgenetic alopecia often significantly differ between men and women.

This blog aims to shed light on these differences, helping us better understand this widespread yet frequently misunderstood condition.

Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is a genetic hair loss condition affecting millions of people worldwide. The name stems from ‘androgens’, the hormones implicated in its development, and ‘genetic’, denoting its hereditary nature.

At the root of androgenetic alopecia are androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is derived from testosterone through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. While necessary for certain bodily functions, DHT can bind to androgen receptors in hair follicles, particularly in those genetically predisposed individuals. This binding causes the follicles to shrink over time, leading to shorter and finer hair until, eventually, the hair growth cycle halts completely.

While both genders have androgens, their levels and actions are regulated differently, causing distinct patterns of hair loss.

Male vs Female Androgenetic Alopecia

Despite its common root cause, androgenetic alopecia manifests quite differently in men and women. This is due to the differences in androgen levels and the unique physiological characteristics of each gender.

Men usually experience a well-defined pattern starting above both temples, hence the term ‘receding hairline.’ Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic ‘M’ shape. As it progresses, the hair becomes finer, shorter, and sparser at the crown, leading to complete baldness in many cases.

In contrast, women with androgenetic alopecia typically maintain their hairline. They experience diffuse thinning over the crown, while the frontal hairline remains largely unaffected. It’s less common for a woman to go completely bald; instead, hair loss often leads to overall volume reduction.

Treating Androgenetic Alopecia

Regardless of gender, androgenetic alopecia is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, numerous treatment options have proven effective in halting progression and, in some cases, even promoting hair regrowth.

Minoxidil is a topical medication widely used for both genders. It is believed to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle, promoting thicker and longer hair. Finasteride is an oral medication, usually prescribed to men. It works by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, reducing DHT levels, and consequently, its detrimental effects on hair follicles. Due to potential side effects, its use in women is generally limited.

Low-level laser therapy is another option that has been gaining traction in recent years. This non-invasive treatment is believed to stimulate cellular activity in the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.

For women, hormonal treatments like oral contraceptives or anti-androgen drugs may be beneficial, particularly if their hair loss is associated with a hormonal imbalance.

It’s essential to consult with a professional before starting any treatment. The best choice of treatment largely depends on your medical history, and the severity of hair loss. To determine the best course of treatment for your hair loss, book an appointment with a dermatologist specialising in hair loss. Call  0207 580 8356 to arrange a consultation.

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The Link Between the Menopause and Hair Loss

The menopause can trigger all kinds of unpleasant side effects. From mood swings to hot flushes, going through this dreaded milestone can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. One potential side effect many women aren’t prepared for, is hair loss.

Due to hormonal changes within the body, many women begin to experience either hair thinning or hair loss. Here, we address what causes hair loss during the menopause and how you can treat the problem.

The causes of menopausal hair loss

Hair loss and thinning are often attributed to the menopause. However, other factors such as genetics, stress, diet, and certain medical conditions, may also play a role.

Research indicates that hair, like the skin and other organs, is susceptible to ageing. For women, hair follicles begin to shrink in size around their mid-40s, resulting in increasingly finer hair with each passing year. The overall number of hair follicles decreases too, affecting both the scalp and body hair.

During the menopause, the decline in oestrogen – a hormone believed to promote hair growth as it keeps hair follicles in the anagen or growth stage for longer – may accelerate hair shrinkage. Various medications, including pain relievers, antidepressants, and blood pressure treatments, can also contribute to hair loss.

There is also a growing number of women undergoing hormone treatments like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer. These treatments are known to trigger hair loss as a side effect.

Some women find that synthetic forms of HRT exacerbate hair loss, while body-identical HRT typically encourages hair growth.

Can you prevent menopausal hair loss?

Hormonal hair loss can be reversed, and there are several ways to address it, particularly during menopause. Here’s some of the best ways to avoid menopausal hair loss and thinning:

Exercise regularly: Staying active improves overall health, circulation, and muscle tone. It also helps to manage menopausal symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

Drink more water: Keeping hydrated will combat dry skin and hair, as well as help flush toxins from the body. This alleviates symptoms like joint pain and constipation. Hydration is particularly effective at easing hot flashes and night sweats.

Reduce stress: Use activities like yoga or tai chi to reduce stress. They can also maintain overall health, as well as combat mood swings, anxiety, and depression caused by lower oestrogen levels.

Eating a healthy diet will also help to potentially prevent menopausal hair loss.

Treating menopause related hair loss

Factors such as diet, stress, and health conditions can impact hair growth, making it essential to identify the root cause of hair loss. Prolonged or severe thyroid issues can also cause hair loss. After a consultation with a specialist, and ruling out other underlying health conditions, you may explore both holistic and medical treatments.

Medical treatments may include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Propecia, or Minoxidil, but keep in mind that their effects can vary among patients, and they must be prescribed by a medical professional.

HRT replenishes hormones that diminish during menopause, helping to alleviate some menopausal symptoms and promote hair growth. However, not all HRT therapies are hair-friendly, and some may worsen hair thinning.

Given that hair cells are among the fastest growing in the body, their nutritional demands are high, and even minor deficiencies can lead to hair loss. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is also crucial for preserving the health of your hair.

If you are worried about the effects the menopause is having on your hair, book a consultation with a hair specialist.

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Could Popular Weight Loss Drugs Be Causing Hair Loss?

The recent introduction of Ozempic and Wegovy, two highly effective weight loss drugs, has brought hope and excitement to those looking to shed the pounds. However, while many users celebrate their success, an alarming side effect has surfaced in various online discussions: hair loss.

This unexpected consequence has left some people questioning the cost of their slimming results. So, could popular weight loss drugs be causing hair loss? Here’s what you need to know…

The link between hair loss drugs and hair loss

Semaglutide, widely recognised by its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, was initially developed to help those suffering with Type 2 diabetes. However, these medications have seen a growing trend of being prescribed for weight loss. Tirzepatide, another diabetic drug marketed under the name Mounjaro, has also begun to be used as a weight loss aid.

Hugely popular in the US, Wegovy has recently been approved in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a ‘safe, effective and affordable’ treatment for weight loss. The NHS will now be able to prescribe once-weekly injections of Wegovy to individuals with at least one weight-related health condition and a very high BMI, as clinical evidence indicates it could help people reduce their weight by over 10%.

Although this all sounds hugely positive, these so-called miracle drugs do come with a host of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, and extreme tiredness. And another potential side effect seems to be hair loss.

The hair loss is probably not a direct result of the drugs themselves. Instead, it is more likely due to the weight loss achieved using these medications. Ozempic does not mention hair loss as a side effect; however, during Wegovy’s clinical trials, 3% of patients reported hair loss. Though Ozempic and Wegovy share the same active ingredient, Wegovy comes in a higher dose.

Other medications that can trigger hair loss

Weight loss drugs aren’t the only medications that can trigger hair loss in patients. A variety of medications, including vitamin A, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs, are known to induce temporary hair loss. Some, such as hormone therapy, may even result in a permanent loss of hair.

The good news is, if hair loss is related to drugs you are taking, it is a temporary issue that should subside once you adjust to, or cease using, the medication.

There are two primary types of medication-induced hair loss. The first is telogen effluvium, which is a short-term, temporary hair loss occurring during the hair follicle’s ‘resting’ phase. New hair growth continues with this type of hair loss.

The second type is anagen effluvium, a longer-term hair loss that may also involve the thinning or loss of other body hair, such as eyebrows and eyelashes. Anagen effluvium occurs during the hair’s ‘new growth’ phase.

Several medications are known to trigger hair loss, including:

  • Acne medications
  • Anti-clotting drugs
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Antifungal agents
  • Antidepressants or mood stabilisers
  • Chemotherapy

Getting the right treatment for hair loss

While medications can trigger hair loss, there may be other causes. Book an appointment with a hair loss specialist to get to the root cause of the hair loss, and have a tailored treatment plan created.

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Latest Results Confirm JAK Inhibitors Significantly Improve Alopecia Areata

A new study has revealed that JAK inhibitors dramatically improve alopecia areata. Within six months, patients suffering with severe alopecia areata experienced significant hair regrowth when taking JAK inhibitors.

So, could this be the answer to finally curing the condition? Here we take a look at the findings of the latest study and whether JAK inhibitors could be a viable treatment option for alopecia areata in the future.

Study shows 40% of patients experience dramatic regrowth with JAK inhibitors

The results of the latest study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, revealed 40% of patients experienced significant regrowth with JAK inhibitor treatment. It was the second phase in the Phase III THRIVE-AA2 trial, and the results have provided hope for a cure for alopecia areata.

Nearly 40% of study participants experienced a minimum of 80% hair regrowth on their scalp when given a higher dose of deuruxolitinib (CTP-543), a JAK 1/2 inhibitor. Impressively, 35% achieved 90% or more regrowth. A lower dose resulted in at least 80% regrowth for one-third of the participants.

Noticeable hair regrowth was observed by the 12th week in the 24-week study. Patients who had lost their eyelashes and eyebrows also experienced considerable regrowth in those areas.

Could JAK inhibitors be a viable treatment option?

The latest results into the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors to treat alopecia areata are exciting, but could it really be the cure patients have been looking for? While it does provide hope for many of those suffering with the condition, it is worth noting that it didn’t work for everyone.

A single patient dropped out of the trial due to the drug being ineffective. However, there were also instances where patients experienced significant adverse effects. However, out of the five severe negative effects reported, just pneumonia influenza was found to be related solely to the treatment.

Even though it may not be effective for everyone, the fact JAK inhibitors have shown to provide significant improvement in 40% of patients makes it a viable future treatment option. More research will need to be undertaken, but current results are promising.

Current treatment options for Alopecia Areata

JAK inhibitor treatments may still be a long way off for mainstream alopecia areata treatment. Although currently there is no cure, there are treatment options available for those suffering with the condition.

Steroid creams and topical treatments can be used to temporarily slow down and halt hair loss and thinning. Local steroid injections are also available for the brows and scalp where small patches of hair loss have occurred. Minoxidil is another effective temporary treatment.

If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning due to alopecia areata, book an appointment with a dermatologist that specialises in hair loss today. After undergoing an assessment, they will be able to create a customised treatment plan to help manage and treat the condition.

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Stress and Hair Loss: Are They Connected?

Stress is known to cause various health issues, from headaches to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. But did you know it can also cause problems with your hair too? While there are a lot of reasons you may experience hair loss and thinning, high levels of stress could be to blame.

As April marks Stress Awareness month, let’s look at the link between stress and hair loss, and how reducing your stress levels may help to combat certain types of hair loss conditions.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Yes, stress has been shown to contribute towards hair loss. There are three stages involved in the hair growth cycle, including the anagen phase (where the hair grows), the catagen phase (where hair growth halts), and the telogen phase (where the hair sheds).

Stem cells in the hair follicles control this cycle. However, chronic stress can cause the stem cells to stop functioning correctly. The stress hormone cortisol, prevents the follicles from generating new hairs, leading to patches of hair loss over time.

It is worth noting that stress is only linked to certain types of hair loss. In most cases, hair loss is caused by other factors such as underlying health conditions, age, and genetics.

Which types of hair loss can be caused by stress?

High stress levels can contribute to three distinct types of hair loss – Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania, and Alopecia Areata.

  1. Telogen effluvium: Intense stress causes more hair follicles to enter the resting phase, halting hair growth. This condition usually lasts for a few months, during which the affected hairs might fall out suddenly while engaging in routine activities like brushing or washing the hair. This type of hair loss is usually temporary, and once the stress is managed or resolved, hair growth typically resumes.
  2. Trichotillomania: This psychological condition manifests as an uncontrollable urge to pull hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of the body. Hair-pulling often serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with negative or uncomfortable emotions, such as stress, tension, loneliness, boredom, or frustration. The condition may lead to noticeable hair loss and even cause physical damage to the hair follicles. Treatment often involves therapy and counselling to address the underlying emotional triggers.
  3. Alopecia areata: Although the exact cause of alopecia areata remains unclear, several factors, including severe stress, are believed to contribute to its development. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Alopecia areata can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, or other body parts. In some cases, it can lead to complete hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or the entire body (alopecia universalis). Treatment may involve corticosteroid injections, topical medications, or light therapy to stimulate hair regrowth.

Treating stress-related hair loss

The best way to treat stress-related hair loss is to reduce stress levels. However, there are also temporary treatments that can be used such as Minoxidil, to slow down and halt hair loss until the stress levels are adequately reduced.

It is worth noting that there are many different causes of hair loss. Getting to the root cause is essential before an appropriate treatment plan can be created.

If you are experiencing hair loss, book a consultation with a specialist dermatologist. After an initial assessment, they can determine the best course of treatment to help manage the problem.

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Medical Conditions That Cause Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors and getting to the root cause is key to finding an effective treatment. While it is mostly associated with age and genetics, did you know it could also be a sign of an underlying medical condition?

Many medical conditions are known to cause hair loss as a side effect. In this blog, we look at the most common conditions that could be causing your hair to thin or fall out.

What medical conditions can trigger hair loss?

Hair loss can be caused by various medical conditions, and it can also be a potential side effect of certain treatments and medications. Let’s look at some of the most common conditions known to trigger hair loss and hair thinning…

Cancer and hair loss

Cancer is well-known for its links to hair loss, which largely occurs as a side effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments. These treatments can cause a significant loss of hair, affecting the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. The degree of hair loss can depend on various factors, such as the type of drugs used, dosage, and method of delivery.

Although cancer treatment can lead to temporary hair loss, most hair follicles can still produce hair, and hair growth generally returns to normal after treatment is complete. However, in some cases, the hair loss may be permanent.

Lupus and hair loss

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation in various organs, the skin, joints, kidneys, and healthy red blood cells. Hair loss in Lupus occurs in a couple of ways and can be categorised as scarring and non-scarring.

The illness itself can cause a disturbance in the hair cycle and medications used to treat the disease may also have hair loss as a side effect. Inflammation, which is one of the hallmark symptoms of lupus, can be widespread and when it develops on the scalp, it can disrupt the hair cycle. This can not only affect scalp hair – it can also result in loss of eyebrows, beards and eyelashes. Furthermore, lupus will sometimes present as lesions on the body that can result in permanent scarring. Lesions on the scalp can damage the hair follicles, resulting in scarring hair loss which is often unfortunately permanent.

Anaemia and hair loss

Anaemia can cause hair loss by disrupting the normal growth cycle of hair follicles. When haemoglobin levels are low, the body directs oxygen away from non-essential cells, including hair follicles. Without enough oxygen, the follicles can’t transition from the resting phase to the growth phase, leading to hair loss.

Iron deficiency is a common cause of anaemia, but other underlying medical conditions can also contribute to hair loss.

These are just some of the most common conditions that can lead to hair loss. The first step to treating the problem is to treat the medical condition triggering the hair loss. In many cases this will allow the hair to regrow naturally. However, in some cases the hair loss may be permanent.

If you want to treat your medically-induced hair loss, a dermatologist that specialises in hair loss will be able to provide diagnosis and advise on potential treatment options.

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Female Hair Transplants Are on the Rise – How to Deal with Female Hair Loss

Hair transplants have always been a male dominated procedure. However, increased awareness surrounding female hair loss in recent years has led to a significant rise in the number of women’s hair transplants carried out in the UK.

Female-related hair loss affects up to 50% of women by the age of 50, and it can have a seriously negative impact on confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing. So, could a hair transplant be a good treatment option? Find out everything you need to know about managing female hair loss below.

What is a female hair transplant?

In 2021, the number of hair restoration procedures performed worldwide reached 703,183 according to the International Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (IAHRS). This marks a significant rise of 126% since 2012. Non-surgical methods accounted for 37.5% of all procedures carried out, while 12.7% of surgical hair restoration treatments were performed on women.

A female hair transplant involves transferring hair follicles from areas of the scalp with thicker hair, usually from the sides or back of the head, to areas that are bald or thinning. Once the hair follicles are transplanted, they will continue to grow in the new location, creating fuller, thicker hairs. This procedure is effective in restoring hair density and improving the overall appearance of the hair.

Understanding the different types of hair loss

While female hair transplants can be an effective treatment option for conditions such as female pattern baldness, they may not be needed for some other types of hair loss. For example, traction alopecia is largely a temporary form of hair loss, and the hair will usually grow back in time. In these cases, a hair transplant wouldn’t be necessary.

If you are suffering from a temporary form of hair loss, other treatments such as Minoxidil may be a better option. It is therefore important to seek a proper diagnosis to determine the type and severity of the hair loss before undergoing a hair transplant procedure.

Effective hair loss treatments for women

These days, there are plenty of effective hair loss treatments for women. If you are looking to manage the condition, it helps to determine the underlying cause.

Hair loss due to female-pattern baldness can be effectively treated with a hair lotion that includes minoxidil. This treatment has been proven to show significant improvements, helping to reduce or even stop hair loss from occurring. It can also help to increase hair thickness. Regular use of the lotion can help improve the overall appearance of the hair and promote healthier hair growth. However, it is only a temporary treatment and hair loss may continue after it is stopped.

A hair transplant is the most permanent way to manage female hair loss, though not everyone will be an ideal candidate. To find out which type of treatment would work best for your hair loss, book an appointment with a dermatologist that specialises in hair loss.

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Alopecia Barbae Explained

Hair loss is most commonly associated with the hair on the scalp. However, did you know you can lose it from other areas of the body too?

After Louis Theroux recently revealed he was suffering with alopecia barbae, the condition is quickly becoming more recognised. A type of hair loss that affects the beard in men, alopecia barbae isn’t as uncommon as you may think.

Here, we look at what alopecia barbae is, its signs and symptoms, and the treatment options available.

What is alopecia barbae?

Alopecia barbae is a type of hair loss that specifically affects the beard area in men. It is a form of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body.

With alopecia barbae, the hair follicles in the beard area become inflamed and stop producing hair, resulting in patchy hair loss. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetic and environmental factors.

In some cases, the hair may regrow on its own, while in others, hair loss may be permanent.

What are the signs and symptoms of alopecia barbae?

Alopecia barbae can sometimes be mistaken for other types of beard hair loss, such as a fungal infection or other medical conditions. While the signs and symptoms may vary between patients, here’s some of the most common to look out for…

  • Patchy hair loss in the beard area: This is the most common and noticeable symptom of alopecia barbae. The hair loss may be sudden and affect a small area, or it may be gradual and involve larger areas of the beard.
  • Short or broken hair: Remaining hair in the affected area may be shorter and weaker than normal.
  • Itching or burning in the beard area: Some people with alopecia barbae may experience itching or burning in the affected area.
  • No redness or scaling: Unlike some other forms of hair loss, alopecia barbae does not typically cause redness or scaling.

How is alopecia barbae treated?

The treatment of alopecia barbae typically depends on the severity and extent of hair loss. Some of the main treatments available include:

  • Topical steroids applied to the affected area to help reduce inflammation and promote hair growth
  • Steroids injected directly into the affected area can also help promote new growth and reduce inflammation
  • Topical minoxidil can be applied to the affected area to help stimulate hair growth

It’s important to note that not all treatments work for everyone, and the best course of treatment will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are concerned that you may be suffering with alopecia barbae, book a consultation with a dermatologist that specialises in treating all types of hair loss to see which treatment approach would be most effective.

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The Role Muscle Plays in Hair Growth is Discovered

A recent study has shed light on the crucial role that muscle plays in hair growth. Researchers have found that the muscles in the hair sheath control the contraction of the cells that surround the hair follicles. Put simply, this contraction is crucial in the hair’s regeneration cycle.

Here, we briefly look at what the recent study found, and reveal how the natural hair growth cycle functions.

What did the latest study find?

The recent study, conducted by researchers at Mount Sinai, focused on the role of the muscles in regulating the hair growth cycle. Researchers discovered that the drastic changes that occur in hair follicles during the regression phase are coordinated by the contraction of the dermal sheath smooth muscle.

The study found that the key activating mechanism of the sheath contraction is space- and time-controlled endothelin signalling. Endothelin-1, a small protein that constricts blood vessels, is produced by cells known as progenitors located in the outer layer of the skin surface.

Endothelin signalling in dermal sheath cells and the contraction that follows, are regulated by calcium levels in the cytoplasm through channels in the cell membrane.

It was revealed that medications which block both endothelin receptors ETA and ETB, or removal of gene expression with genetically modified DNA in mice, impede dermal sheath contraction and halt follicle regression. The findings of this study could have potential implications for the treatment of hair loss.

Understanding the hair growth cycle

The hair growth cycle is a series of stages that a hair follicle goes through to produce new hair. It starts with the anagen, or growth phase, where the hair follicle actively produces new hair and grows at a rate of about 6 inches per year. It lasts for around three to five years on average.

Next comes the catagen phase, which is a brief transitional stage that lasts only about two to three weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply, signalling the end of the growth phase.

Finally, there is the telogen and exogen phase, which is the resting and shedding phase. The hair follicle remains dormant, and the old hair falls out. It lasts about three months before the cycle begins again.

It is important to note that not all hairs on the scalp are in the same stage of the growth cycle at the same time. Instead, different hairs are in different stages, which is why we do not typically see large amounts of hair loss all at once.

How to protect the hair during each stage

Keeping your hair healthy during the different stages of the growth cycle is key to promoting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss.

It is important to provide your hair with adequate nutrients to support healthy growth. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals such as biotin, iron, and vitamins C and D, can help promote healthy hair growth.

While this latest research may be useful in developing future treatments, there are lots of factors that can lead to hair loss. To get to the bottom of your hair loss or thinning, book a consultation with a dermatologist that specialises in hair loss.

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Could Sugary Drinks Be the Root Cause of Male Hair Loss?

A new study has found that sugary drinks may contribute towards male hair loss. Beverages sweetened by sugar, including energy drinks, fizzy drinks, and soft drink mixers, can trigger an increased concentration of serum glucose, activating the polyol pathway.

So, what does this mean, and could sugary drinks really be the root cause of your male pattern baldness?

What did the latest study show?

The latest study, published in the Nutrients Journal, looked at the association between male pattern hair loss and sugary drinks. It relied upon self-reported data from 1,951 men aged 18-25.

A significant association between high sugary drink consumption and male pattern hair loss was revealed. Interestingly, it also showed that certain medical conditions could increase the risk of suffering hair loss when you consume high-sugar beverages. Those with PTSD for example, were found to be more at risk of developing hair loss due to sugary drink consumption. Reducing the amount that they drank eliminated the risk.

While it did reveal a link to hair loss, the fact the study relied upon self-reported data is a huge limitation. Further studies will need to be carried out to determine whether sugary drinks could be a direct cause of male hair loss.

Do sugary drinks cause male hair loss?

There is no strong scientific evidence to suggest that sugary drinks are a direct cause of hair loss. There is, however, some evidence to suggest that consuming large amounts of sugary drinks can lead to poor overall health, and potentially contribute to hair loss indirectly.

Consuming sugary drinks in large amounts could lead to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Hair loss can occur as a side effect of these conditions.

Some studies suggest that high sugar intake, including sugar found in soft drinks and other processed foods, can lead to a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders, which in turn can increase the risk of hair loss. Additionally, many soft drinks contain caffeine and artificial ingredients that can also have a negative impact on hair growth.

It is important to note that correlation does not mean causation, and more research is needed to understand the complex relationship between diet, hair loss, and other health issues.

Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. The main cause is the presence of a gene that makes hair follicles more susceptible to a by-product of testosterone, known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinner, shorter hair, and eventually hair loss.

Factors that increase levels of DHT, such as higher levels of testosterone, ageing, and a family history of hair loss, can also contribute to male pattern hair loss.

It’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing hair loss to help determine the underlying cause. This will determine the type of treatment required. While there is no cure for male pattern baldness, there are effective treatments to help slow down and minimise its effects.

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