A new study uncovers the genetic determinants of male pattern baldness. It even indicates you can heavily inherit this condition only through your mom. The androgen receptor gene located on the X chromosome has been consistently linked in genetic studies to male hair loss. This gene is critical to determining at what age men’s hair loss starts. A big and important gene, notably implicated in male pattern baldness. So it’s no surprise that it can explain 50-70% of the risk associated with this all-too-common condition.
The androgen receptor gene is exclusively passed down from mothers to their sons, making maternal genetics a key player in the likelihood of developing hair loss. Don’t get too excited on behalf of your future baldness yet—scientists warn that male pattern baldness isn’t all about this one gene alone. It usually results from an interaction of genetic predispositions passed down from both parents.
Dr. Thivos Sokratous, a leading researcher in the field, spoke on how critical the androgen receptor gene is. He admitted the genetics of male pattern baldness are tricky business and multifactorial.
“But male pattern baldness is more complex than that,” – Dr. Thivos Sokratous
This complexity underscores the need to include both parental contributions when evaluating the risk of hair loss.
“It’s the combination of genes from your mum and your dad alongside other factors.”
Alongside genetic predispositions, environmental factors may play a role in how quickly male pattern baldness progresses. And lifestyle, like what you eat has a direct effect on hair health. Dr. Sokratous was especially adamant about the role of nutrition in preventing and treating hair loss.
Genetics may have set the stage, but male pattern baldness is not a done deal. Your personal lifestyle decisions can play a big role in how it affects you.
“Are you eating a diet rich in nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, iron and B vitamins? Is your body absorbing them properly? Adjusting your diet can slow things down,” – Dr. Thivos Sokratous
These insights suggest that while genetics lay the groundwork for male pattern baldness, individual lifestyle choices can modulate its effects.