Hair loss is typically a result of genetics, a medical condition, or a hormonal change or imbalance. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss, which typically occurs or worsens as you age. Hereditary hair loss in men is also called male pattern baldness or by its medical name, androgenetic alopecia. For men, the first sign of male pattern hair loss may be a receding hairline or bald spot.

Hair loss can also be caused by several medical conditions, including alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and trichotillomania, fungal infections, iron deficiency, certain thyroid issues, and even rapid weight loss. Alopecia areata causes the body’s immune system to attack its own hair follicles. This type of hair loss may be temporary or may need treatment if hair does not grow back. Stress, severe illness, or another traumatic event can cause a temporary hair loss condition called telogen effluvium. Typically, after the stress or shock is reduced, the hair will grow back. Trichotillomania is characterized by compulsive hair-pulling. This condition will last until sufficient mental health treatment is received.

Hair loss can also be caused by certain medications and treatments, such as cancer treatment. Additionally, tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails can lead to scalp hair shedding.

Hair loss can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination, but determining the cause of your hair loss is the first step. If you are experiencing new or worsening hair loss, see your doctor or connect to a medical provider through the Hims platform.

It may be easy to determine the cause of hair loss, or a doctor or dermatologist may need to run tests to determine the root cause.

For men who are experiencing a receding hairline, patchy hair loss, or hair loss that worsens slowly with age, the condition may be a result of male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is a permanent hair loss type with no cure, but there are several hair loss treatments available to help slow hair loss and even regrow hair.

However, it is recommended that men who are suddenly noticing bald patches with no apparent cause or pattern seek medical attention to determine the cause. These cases of sudden hair loss may be caused by a medical condition, such as alopecia areata, vitamin deficiency, or the side effect of a medication. The good news is that these types of hair loss are typically temporary and resolve when the medical condition is treated.

Learn more about the types of hair loss, like male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia in our blog.

While the best type of medical treatment depends on the cause of hair loss, male pattern hair loss can be treated with clinically-approved medications. Minoxidil, the generic for Rogaine®, is a topical treatment that is applied directly to the scalp. Minoxidil is best for new hair loss or to treat mild to moderate balding because it works by stimulating hair regrowth. For men who are experiencing thinning hair, minoxidil can help to restore some hair density. Another medication for male hair loss is finasteride, an oral medication that treats hair loss by blocking the hormones that inhibit hair growth. Finasteride can help to prevent additional balding and can even stimulate hair regrowth.

If you’re looking for over-the-counter or non-drug options to help with your hair, there is a surgical option called a hair transplant. As for non-medical aids (besides wigs and toupees), there are supplements like our biotin gummies, and hair care products like our hair thickening shampoo.

Note: men experiencing hair loss due to stress, a mental health disorder, or a vitamin deficiency should treat the hair loss by treating the root cause. With any hair loss, consult a doctor, dermatologist, or other qualified medical professional to determine the proper hair loss treatment.

As with any medication, there are potential side effects caused by finasteride. Some common side effects include new problems with your erection, ejaculation or sexual desire, pain in the testicles, rash, breast pain or enlargement, and depression. If any of these side effects are severe, bother you, or don’t go away, consult a medical provider. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or hives, seek emergency medical attention.

There isn’t a cure for hair loss, but there are effective medications and hair restoration treatments. While these medications or procedures may slow hair loss or even reverse balding, beware of any company claiming to “cure” your hair loss, as there is no complete cure for hair loss.