Dear Nathan,
While hair on our heads helps protect us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, it mainly serves a cosmetic purpose. As a result, early balding, especially in your case, can lead to significant stress. However, having a bald head is not a reason to despair, especially when you have a bright future ahead of you.
Balding, which is mostly genetic, occurs when our bodies produce thin hair instead of thick hair. This thinning often happens due to the influence of a male hormone called Dihydro-Testosterone and a substance known as Prostaglandin D2.
Though balding is more common in older individuals, it can be especially stressful for younger people who may be mistaken for being older due to their hair loss.
It is important to note that some individuals with male-pattern baldness may begin to experience hair loss as early as puberty, and women may also be affected during or after menopause.
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles), scalp infections such as ringworm, medications for cancer, and stress can also lead to temporary hair loss. Addressing these conditions may help reverse the balding process.
Additionally, there are medications available that may help slow or prevent the progression of common baldness, but these should only be prescribed by a doctor after a proper diagnosis. It is essential to visit a specialist, particularly one who focuses on skin conditions.
Keep in mind that it may take up to six months to see if the prescribed medications are effective, which can contribute to additional stress. Thus, along with medication, seeking counselling can also be beneficial.
