Final answer:
Androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is a condition caused by a combination of heredity, hormones, and age. Genetic factors make individuals more susceptible to hair loss, while hormones like androgens play a role in shrinking hair follicles and producing thinner hair. Additionally, as men age, the decline in testosterone can contribute to hair loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is a condition characterized by hair loss in men. It is caused by a combination of heredity, hormones, and age.
Heredity plays a significant role in androgenic alopecia. Genes inherited from parents can make individuals more susceptible to hair loss. Hormones, specifically androgens, are also involved in this condition. Androgens, such as testosterone, can cause hair follicles to shrink and produce thinner hair. As men age, the activity of Leydig cells, which produce testosterone, declines. This reduction in circulating testosterone concentrations can contribute to symptoms of andropause, including hair loss.
In summary, androgenic alopecia is a condition influenced by genetic factors, hormones, and the natural aging process. These factors can lead to progressive hair loss and thinning.