thinning hair

I would also like to know the same thing

I have heard that testosterone has a role in thinning hair. Is there any connection between male pattern balding and andropause? Do bald people (like myself) have a statistically lower or higher incidence of andropause symptoms?<br>

The relationship between baldness (specifically, male pattern baldness) and testosterone level is complex, although it is safe to say there is no direct relationship. Here's what the American Medical Association has to say about it:<br> <br> "About 95 percent of all cases of hair loss are the result of androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness in men). Androgenetic alopecia occurs much more frequently in men than in women. It affects roughly 40 million men in the United States. Approximately 25 percent of men begin balding by age 30; two-thirds begin balding by age 60. <br> <br> The causes of male pattern baldness are thought to be complex and are not completely understood. However, as suggested by its medical name (androgenetic alopecia), male pattern baldness seems to involve both hormonal (androgen) and genetic factors. Many different types of hormones play roles in the regulation of scalp hair, but the hormones with the largest effect are the androgens. Testosterone and its more potent derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are responsible for increasing the size of hair follicles in areas such as the beard and underarm during puberty, but can also cause hair follicles in the scalp to decrease in size later in life. These contrasting responses to DHT might be explained by genetic differences in the individual hair follicles. Similarly, in men who are balding, genetically determined characteristics of hair follicles in the scalp may cause the follicles to be more likely to degrade in the presence of androgens. Hair follicles become miniaturized, and the hair consequently becomes thinner and shorter. The growing phase of the growth cycle becomes progressively shorter, which means more hairs are shed. Although the follicles still have an adequate blood supply, they continue to shrink, and some eventually die. <br> <br> Whatever the exact causes of male pattern baldness may be, it is a hereditary trait. There are multiple genetic factors that influence male pattern baldness. A tendency toward baldness in the men on either the mother's or father's side of a man's family indicates a genetic predisposition to baldness. The speed, pattern, time of onset and degree of balding are all influenced by heredity. Generally, the earlier the onset of balding, the more extensive the degree of hair loss will eventually be."<br> <br> If you want to read the whole article, it is available here: <a href="http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ6Q72SWAC&sub_ca t=300" target="_blank">http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ6Q72SWAC&sub_ca t=300</a><br> <br> Sorry this is such a complex answer but you asked a complex question. I hope this helps.<br>