Male Pattern Hair Loss: Taking one for the team: The Selfless Gene

Male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) is exceedingly common. It is characterised by onset in early adulthood and progression with age. It has a strong heritable component. The reason for its existence remains unexplained. Given that MPHL is progressive and has its earliest manifestations in young adults it may be a barometer of age. Here we suggest that MPHL may have atavistically allowed women in our species and ancestor species to select younger (but not necessarily the youngest) adult mates. Evidence suggests that conceptions by younger fathers are more likely to lead to live births and less likely to result in miscarriage.

Source: Medical Hypotheses - February 19, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Chika Edward Uzoigwe, Luis Carlos Sanchez Franco, Ignacio Gascon Conde Dip, Adrian Sanchez Campoy Source Type: research