If you’ve noticed a receding hairline or an ever-increasing bald patch on the top of your head, you may have started to question what may be causing it to happen. Is it stress? A bad diet? Or genetics?
In the case of men, genetics is often to blame – but there is more to hereditary hair loss than the common myth that you inherit the gene for baldness from your mom.
Is male pattern baldness hereditary?
In short, yes.
The truth of the matter is that the genetic factors of male pattern balding (MPB) are still not completely understood. It is believed to be polygenic, meaning that it involves more than just one gene – this is why it is such a complicated problem and one that is difficult to cure.
Here’s the low down - a gene known as the androgen receptor (AR) gene - is inherited from your mother’s gene pool (which is the myth that’s caused men to blame their mothers – we suggest sending her some flowers). This gene is strongly linked with MPB and is thought to increase the likelihood of experiencing hair loss by two-fold, but various other studies have found additional factors to also be in play – one finding that 63 genes may play a role in male pattern balding, and another that 80% of balding men also had a bald dad.
So, while the AR gene plays a significant role in determining whether or not you’re going to bald, it’s not the only culprit. The exact genetics involved in MPB are complex, with genes inherited from both your mother and father’s gene pool.
It’s also important to know that although MPB is genetic, and affects 95% of balding men, it isn’t the only type of hair loss out there with other factors like environmental stressors and lifestyle choices also known to cause hair loss.
How do I prevent hereditary hair loss?
The earlier you start treating MPB and taking care of your hair the more likely you are to avoid needing to face balding at all. If you think you’re experiencing hair loss and can see signs of a receding hair line or thinning crown, be proactive about seeking out treatments. Clinically proven medicines such as Finasteride and Minoxidil are known to stop and even reverse hair loss.
If you’re looking to start treating MPB with clinically proven treatments, get started by completing our online hair loss consultation.
The articles published by &BAM are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you have any medical questions or concerns, you should contact your doctor.