Balding is generally associated with men, and only a few women face this problem. The progression of age-related balding is usually slow, but one can observe its early signs by keeping a check on their hair. The best way to see the signs of baldness is by comparing photos taken in the same type of lighting with a gap of one or two years. If one observes any change in their hairline, then it could be a sign of balding. Various factors can cause balding, and by knowing about these factors, one can check its early signs and prevent its further development.

Common causes of balding

Testosterone
Hormones can play a major role in causing baldness in men. It has been observed that people dealing with baldness mostly have a regular level of testosterone. But the scalp cells have the ability to convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which is another type of hormone. Dihydrotestosterone can cause shrinkage of the hair follicle which will result in thinning of hair, and ultimately, balding.

Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders are also known for causing hair loss and baldness. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hormonal imbalance. The imbalance in hormones can have an impact on every function of the body. It will affect the growth of hair as well. So, it is important to start the treatment for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism as soon as possible as it can help in controlling hair loss and prevent balding.

Medications
People may have to consume a large number of medications to treat severe health issues, but some medications have different side effects, and balding is one of them. These medications include blood thinning medications, medications for depression, oral contraceptives, NSAIDs, and calcium channel blockers among others. Chemotherapy medicines used for treating cancer can also damage the hair and cause baldness. This type of hair loss or baldness may go away once a person stops taking these medications.

Alopecia
Alopecia is the scientific term given to hair loss. There are two types of alopecia, one of which only affects the scalp and other types affect the whole body. Due to this condition, a person may suffer from some hair loss or patches of hair loss. An individual may go partially or completely bald. The extent of this condition differs from person to person. Some people recover from this type of baldness while others never do.

Genetics
Sometimes, male pattern baldness occurs due to hereditary factors. So, if an individual’s immediate family members have this issue, then they are more likely to face the same. The age at which a person will start facing this problem, and the rate of baldness also depends on the genes.

Stress
Nowadays, another factor that causes baldness is stress. All of us live in a fast-paced world because of which we face some type of stress at some point in our lives.