Men who develop baldness in midlife are often distressed by the loss of their hair, at least initially. Most gradually adjust to baldness and thinning hair and some even consider it an asset. After all, a bare head is certainly easier to care for. Some men may joke about their lack of hair but what may not be such a joking matter are the health risks associated with male pattern baldness.

Most cases of baldness in men are caused by an inherited condition known as androgenic alopecia. When a male who has inherited the genes for androgenic alopecia produces testosterone it's converted to DHT which combines with the hair follicles causing loss of hair. For male pattern baldness to develop both the genes for androgenic alopecia and testosterone must be present. Androgenic alopecia can also affect women although complete hair loss rarely occurs, in most cases there is just thinning of the hair.

Unfortunately, inheriting the genes for androgenic alopecia can be a health risk in terms of the heart and prostate. Studies have shown that men with male pattern baldness due to androgenic alopecia have an increased risk of coronary artery disease as well as prostate cancer.

The results of a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2000 showed that men with male pattern baldness had three times the risk of developing a heart attack when compared to men with no loss of hair. The risk was increased even more in men who had other cardiac risk factors such as elevated blood pressure or elevated cholesterol level. Other studies have shown similar results demonstrating that androgenic alopecia can be a health risk to more than just the head.

An increased risk of coronary artery disease isn't the only health risk associated with male pattern baldness. A large study carried out on over 4,000 men with male pattern baldness showed they had a fifty percent higher risk of developing prostate cancer when compared to men with no hair loss.

What should you do if you're concerned about the risk of coronary heart disease and prostate cancer associated with male pattern baldness? While you can't control the genetics you are given, it's important that men who have hair loss due to androgenic alopecia control other risk factors for heart disease and prostate cancer. This means keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range along with avoiding use of tobacco as well as exercising and eating a heart healthy diet.

Although there are fewer established ways to reduce prostate cancer risk, eating a healthy diet that's low in animal fat and rich in fruits and vegetables may be somewhat protective. Regular prostate exams should begin at age forty-five to check for prostate enlargement or irregularity.

Although men with male pattern baldness may have a higher risk of coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, leading a healthy lifestyle can help to modify the health risk associated with androgenic alopecia.