Hair loss is a common problem among both men and women. Although there is no doubt that losing some hair at any point during your lifetime is normal, losing it rapidly and in large amounts can be a problem. Is baldness hereditary? Here are some of the things that you should know about this common health problem.
Baldness is Often Hereditary
If you have experienced hair loss, there is a strong possibility that it may be hereditary. Hereditary baldness is referred to a few different ways. It is generally called pattern baldness. The medical name for hereditary baldness is androgenetic alopecia. Hereditary baldness is known to be the leading cause of all types of baldness.
How Baldness is Inherited
In the past, it was often said that baldness was inherited due to the genes that a mother passed along to her children. More recent studies have shown that a combination of both the mother and the father’s genes are more likely to be the cause. If someone in your family is bald and you begin to notice significant amounts of hair loss, there is a good possibility that you have pattern baldness.
Signs of Pattern Baldness
There are a variety of symptoms, or indicators, of pattern baldness. Frequent hair loss is one of the main signs. If you notice more hair in the bathtub drain or a comb, it could be due to pattern baldness. Hair loss is usually the most noticeable at the crown of the head and, generally, there is the appearance of a receding hairline.
When Pattern Baldness Begins
You can begin to notice signs of pattern baldness at any time. However, it is very common for men to begin noticing their baldness during their late twenties or early thirties. Women generally begin to notice it when they experience menopause. It is perfectly normal to notice it earlier or later.
Reversing or Preventing Hair Loss
Certain products out on the market are known to prevent and reverse the amount of hair loss that you experience due to pattern baldness. As soon as you begin to notice that you are losing a significant amount of hair, the best thing that you can do is visit a doctor. They will be able to discuss your options for reversing or preventing pattern baldness.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
Contrary to popular belief, pattern baldness is not the only cause of hair loss. There are a number of other factors which are known to contribute to pattern baldness. Frequently wearing your hair in a tight ponytail or bun, vitamin deficiencies, stress, major surgeries, and thyroid problems are just a few of the other causes.
Baldness can be a very embarrassing problem, no matter when it begins, how old you are, or whether you are male or female. It can really have a major impact on your levels of confidence. Visiting the doctor to find out what prevention or reversal options are available is the best thing that you can do when the signs of baldness first become noticeable to you.
