Next stepThere are hundreds of myths about hair loss in men. The most popular of them is that you inherit hair loss from your father’s or mother’s side. Well, you will be shocked at the truth about baldness.
Role of Genetics in Hair Loss
Baldness is often associated with men. However, both genders can be affected. It is also not a respecter of age as children can also suffer from it. Genetic hair loss usually follows a pattern. This pattern is known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) in men.
Male Pattern Baldness
Men lose their hair in a distinct pattern that begins just above the temples. They inherit a genetic sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which results in traits such as receding hairlines and thinning temples.
Nonetheless, most men think that they inherit the baldness gene from their mother’s side. There could be some truth to it.
To illustrate, Male Pattern Baldness has a genetic component that is polygenic. This means that many genes cause it. Alopecia is linked to the AR gene found on the X chromosome that men inherit from their mothers. Men with this gene are twice at risk of experiencing baldness than people without.
Even so, baldness is not caused by one gene alone since it is polygenic. There are about 63 genes that play a role in male Alopecia. Of this, only six are found in the X chromosome. Therefore, there is no telling whether you inherit this trait from your mother’s or father’s side.
Hair loss in men usually occurs at later stages in life, with most men experiencing this in their 60s and 70s. However, individuals as young as 15 can experience Androgenic Alopecia.
Conclusion
Genetics plays a huge role in hair loss, although it is not the only determining factor. Poor nutrition, stress, and certain medications can lead to hair loss. Remember that baldness is not a disease, but a natural condition caused by a particular gene mutation.
Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more.
