Why do very old men lose most of their beard?

  • Thread starter haruna
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In summary, as men age, the hairs on their beards thin out and fall off, leaving a bald appearance on their face. This is due to a decrease in testosterone levels and genetics. This can be seen in the case of Raymond Smullyan, whose beard has noticeably decreased as he has reached 95 years of age compared to 20 years ago.
  • #1
haruna
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Well, this is a pretty straightforward question : Why do the hairs on the beard of very old men thin out and fall off leaving bald in the face, so to speak?
I am asking this question with Raymond Smullyan in mind. In photographs, he certainly has much less beard now that he's 95, than 20 years ago.
 
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  • #2
haruna said:
Well, this is a pretty straightforward question : Why do the hairs on the beard of very old men thin out and fall off leaving bald in the face, so to speak?
I am asking this question with Raymond Smullyan in mind. In photographs, he certainly has much less beard now that he's 95, than 20 years ago.

Testosterone or the lack there of and Genetics, is the culprit. :)
 

1. Why do very old men lose most of their beard?

As men age, their testosterone levels decrease, which can lead to a decrease in beard growth. This is because testosterone is responsible for stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Additionally, as men age, their hair follicles may become smaller and less active, resulting in thinner and sparser facial hair.

2. Is there a genetic component to why older men lose their beard?

Yes, genetics can play a role in the amount and rate of facial hair growth. Some men may have a genetic predisposition to have a thicker beard, while others may have genes that contribute to a thinner or sparser beard. However, age and hormonal changes are the primary factors in the loss of facial hair in older men.

3. Can stress or illness contribute to beard loss in older men?

Stress and illness can contribute to hair loss in general, including facial hair. When the body is under stress or fighting an illness, it prioritizes vital functions over hair growth. This can lead to a decrease in the production of testosterone and other hormones necessary for beard growth, resulting in beard loss in some older men.

4. Can beard care routines affect the amount of facial hair lost in older men?

While proper beard care, such as regular washing and grooming, can help maintain the health of facial hair, it is unlikely to prevent the loss of facial hair in older men. As mentioned before, age and hormonal changes are the primary factors in beard loss, and external factors like grooming routines have minimal impact.

5. Are there any medical treatments available for older men experiencing beard loss?

There are some medical treatments available for beard loss in older men, such as hormone replacement therapy. However, these treatments may come with potential side effects, and results may vary. It is important to consult with a doctor before pursuing any medical treatments for beard loss.

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