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Hair loss in men

Hair loss in men is often hereditary and hormone-sensitive, usually causing a gradually receding hairline and thinning crown. Rapid shedding, scarring, scales, pain or whole-body hair loss are less consistent with ordinary male-pattern loss and need assessment.

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  • Hair loss in men is usually androgenetic alopecia, also called male-pattern hair loss.
  • It often begins with a receding hairline or thinning crown and progresses slowly over years.
  • Ordinary hereditary loss usually causes no pain, pus, scarring or sharply defined round bald patches.
  • Redness, burning, scales, crusts, hair breakage or loss of eyebrows and beard suggest another cause.
  • Early assessment particularly matters if uncertain between ordinary pattern loss and scarring or systemic causes such as thyroid disease, anaemia or a medicine side effect.
  • Do not suddenly start products or use them without guidance if you take other medicines, plan to have children or have scalp disease.

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