Although male pattern baldness is usually considered a cosmetic problem that may not necessarily be the case. There is evidence to suggest that this condition could actually be a sign of several underlying health issues. And, while some of these conditions can be managed relatively easily, others are much more serious.
Let’s take a look at some studies that paint baldness as a sign of health issues.
Male Pattern Baldness and the Prostate
Several studies have found the link between male pattern baldness and BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia). For example, a 1998 study examined 225 patients with BPH and found a significant correlation between the two. Another, more recent study confirmed these findings and added that this condition could cause bladder problems.
The Link with Heart Problems
Another study that explores baldness as a sign of health issues was published in 2017. This study found that levels of hair loss can predict someone’s aortic stiffness, hypertension, and impaired coronary function. These conditions were specifically connected to androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
Cancer and Heart Disease
The most extensive of the mentioned studies is the one published in the Nature Communications journal. The study included over 20,000 people and confirmed the links between male pattern baldness and prostate issues and heart problems. However, this study added another condition that could be linked with androgenic alopecia – prostate cancer.
The Bottom Line
Most studies that have explored baldness as a sign of health issues found that it’s connected with typically male problems like enlarged prostate, heart disease, and prostate cancer. That’s why it is important to visit your doctor if you notice your hair thinning, so he or she can determine the underlying cause.
