What are some reasons for thinning hair in men?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Thinning hair in men is most commonly caused by male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), a hereditary condition linked to hormones and aging. Other contributing factors can include stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and certain medications. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for choosing the most effective treatment, whether that involves topical solutions, prescription medications, lifestyle changes, or addressing an underlying health condition.

Because hair thinning can stem from many different causes—some easily treatable, others requiring medical attention—it's worth taking a few minutes to investigate your specific symptoms. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you pinpoint likely causes based on your unique health profile and guide you toward the right next steps, whether that's seeing a dermatologist, adjusting your routine, or ruling out a more serious condition.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Thinning hair in men is often due to several common causes.

Male Pattern Baldness: This is the most frequent reason for hair loss in men. It is largely genetic and involves a gradual thinning of hair on the scalp, often starting at the temples and crown.

Aging: As men age, hair naturally becomes thinner and may not grow back as quickly. This is a normal part of the aging process.

Other Health Issues: Sometimes, thinning hair can be a sign of other health problems or conditions, such as hormonal changes or nutritional deficiencies.

Understanding these causes is important for finding the right treatment. Treatments can range from medications to lifestyle changes and more, depending on the cause. If you are concerned about hair loss, you can start by taking our free symptom checker to help identify potential underlying causes.

(References)

York K, Meah N, Bhoyrul B, & Sinclair R. (2020). A review of the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 32066284.
Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, & Allison R. (2017). Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment. American family physician, 28925637.
Rexbye H, Petersen I, Iachina M, Mortensen J, McGue M, Vaupel JW, & Christensen K. (2005). Hair loss among elderly men: etiology and impact on .... The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, 16127116.

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