Roughly half of men notice hair loss by age 50, and for many it starts much earlier. If you have seen thinning at the temples, a widening part, or more hair in the shower drain, you have probably wondered whether it is stress, hormones, genetics, or all three. It is rarely just one. Male hair loss usually comes from an interaction between DHT, genetics, and environmental stressors. Here is each factor explained.
Factor 1: DHT
The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. At the center of it is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
What is DHT?
DHT is a byproduct of testosterone. In men whose follicles are genetically sensitive to it, DHT binds to receptors in the hair follicles, especially at the hairline and crown, and causes them to shrink in a process called miniaturization. Over time:
- Hair grows back thinner
- Growth cycles get shorter
- Follicles go dormant
- Hair eventually stops growing
DHT is not “bad.” It plays important roles in male development, muscle growth, and overall health. The problem is not the hormone itself. It is how sensitive your follicles are to it.
Can you reduce the effect of DHT?
You cannot change your genetics, but you can influence how DHT affects your follicles. The goal is to lower DHT’s effect on the scalp before significant miniaturization happens, because once a follicle has fully shut down, regrowth is much harder. Hair loss does not happen overnight, so treatments such as finasteride can slow the process and, in some men, partly reverse it. The earlier it is addressed, the better the long-term outcome tends to be.
Factor 2: Genetics
If your father, grandfather, or uncles had thinning hair, your risk goes up. Genetics determine how sensitive your follicles are to DHT. But genetics are not destiny. Starting treatment early can slow progression and help you keep the hair you have.
Factor 3: Stress
DHT and genetics are the central drivers, but chronic stress can accelerate shedding. Stress can:
- Raise cortisol levels
- Disrupt the hair growth cycle
- Push follicles into the shedding phase too early
- Worsen scalp inflammation
Stress-related shedding, called telogen effluvium, is often temporary. But in a man who is already sensitive to DHT, it can make thinning appear faster and more dramatic. Managing stress, sleeping well, and supporting your overall health all help.
Other causes to rule out
If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or does not follow the usual pattern, other causes are worth checking. These include thyroid problems, low iron or vitamin D, rapid weight loss, certain medications, recent illness or surgery, and scalp conditions. A provider can check for these with an exam and, if needed, blood work.
Hair loss is common, and it is treatable
Many over-the-counter hair products target a single pathway: blocking DHT, stimulating growth, or strengthening the strand. Because male pattern hair loss rarely has a single cause, a more effective approach usually addresses more than one pathway at a time. With early treatment, it is possible to slow progression, keep existing hair, and support regrowth in thinning areas. Results vary, and consistency matters.
DrWell’s Cedar
Cedar is a compounded once-daily capsule that combines three ingredients to address male hair loss from several angles:
- Minoxidil increases blood flow to the follicle and extends the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, which supports thicker, longer-growing hair. Oral minoxidil is prescribed off-label for hair loss.
- Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which helps protect follicles from miniaturization and supports maintenance of existing hair.
- Biotin supports keratin production and hair structure.
Compounded medications are not FDA approved, and treatment is personalized based on your health history and provider guidance. Finasteride is not for women who are or may become pregnant, because it is associated with birth defects. Women should ask their provider about Cedar for Women, which does not contain finasteride.
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