Why Is Hair Loss So Common?

Hair loss can occur in different ways, from male or female pattern baldness to thinning hair that may be caused by poor nutrition or hormones.

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. More than half of all men will experience some degree of MPB by age 50, and nearly two-thirds of men will have noticeable hair loss by age 70.

Female pattern baldness is more rare than MPB. It occurs in about 20 percent of women who are 30 to 50 years old, but it’s unlikely to be noticed until after age 40.

Hair loss can also occur due to an underlying medical condition such as anorexia nervosa, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), certain medications such as chemotherapy agents and antidepressants, hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency anemia or zinc deficiency.

Test Your DNA for Hair Loss

Maybe you have noticed a few more strands of hair on your shower floor than usual. Maybe you’re noticing a few more strands on the brush, too. Or maybe you haven’t noticed anything at all. But if you have or suspect that you may be experiencing male pattern baldness (MPB), there are several things you can do to determine if genetics play a role in your case—or to rule out other potential causes.

By taking a hair loss genetics test with your doctor, you can determine if you have a genetic predisposition to hair loss. A hair loss genetics test is also a good way to find out if there are any other factors that may be contributing to the problem, such as nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. If it does, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect going forward and can take steps to prevent further hair loss.