Balding and hair thinning is a common sign of aging. In fact, by the age of thirty-five, approximately two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of hair loss. Although many men worry about hair thinning for aesthetic reasons, researchers are now concerned that baldness may indicate a greater risk of cancer or heart disease.
The Link Between Male Balding, Cancer, and Heart Disease
It is well understood that one of the main reason’s men lose their hair is due to a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone — or DHT. It is believed that the body’s response to DHT may influence the risk of specific diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, and prostate cancer.
This was reported in a 2013 study after researchers found that male pattern baldness increased one’s risk of coronary artery disease by 32 percent. Unfortunately, the same was found regarding an elevated risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
In a 2015 study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, it was found that by the age of 45, men living with male pattern baldness experienced a 40 percent increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Although more research is needed at this time, scientists believe that testosterone plays a significant role.
How to Improve Your Heart Health and Decrease Cancer Risk
While there is little you can do in regards to the genetic variables of male pattern baldness, you can take-action to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of cancer.
To protect your heart:
Maintain a healthy weight, focusing on a nutrient-rich diet and active lifestyle.
Consume a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, incorporating more fiber-rich foods.
Cut down on salt and saturated fat, eliminating processed foods.
Quit smoking if applicable.
To reduce your risk of cancer, follow the same steps as above, in addition to:
Seeking regular screening tests.
Limiting your intake of red meat and sugar.
Reducing your intake of alcohol (men should have no more than two drinks daily)
At Custom Hair Tampa Bay, we are aware that millions of men Nationwide are struggling with some form or hair loss. We consider the cause of our client’s hair loss and customize the best hair replacement solution for their needs. To schedule a free consultation at one of our three locations click here.
Photo Credit: Russell_Clark Via Pixabay
Sources:
https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/introduction.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-42164898