Conditions · FAQ
What causes male pattern hair loss?
Short answer
Male pattern hair loss is mainly caused by inherited traits and a hormone called DHT. In sensitive hair follicles, DHT leads to thinner, shorter hairs over time. The usual pattern is a receding hairline or thinning crown. A licensed physician can check whether your hair loss fits this pattern.
Male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It happens when inherited traits make certain hair follicles sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a hormone made from testosterone. Having this condition does not necessarily mean your testosterone level is high.
Over time, affected follicles become smaller. They grow finer hairs with shorter growth cycles. This often shows up as thinning at the temples, a receding hairline, or a widening thin area at the crown. Hair on the sides and back is often less affected.
Genes from either side of your family can play a role. The age when thinning starts and how far it progresses differ from person to person. Stress, illness, and other conditions can also cause shedding alongside male pattern hair loss.
A licensed physician in your state can review your pattern, timeline, health history, and scalp symptoms. Sudden loss, bald patches, or an inflamed scalp need evaluation for other causes.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.