Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) is by far the most prevalent cause of hair loss in males and a significant issue for many women. There are three significant factors that contribute to both female and male balding:

  1. There is a hereditary susceptibility to hair loss.
  2. The presence of masculine hormones in excess.
  3. Aging - sufficient time for the first two elements to appear.

Both men and women produce male hormones that serve a valuable purpose in both sexes; nevertheless, the larger quantity of androgens in males explains why male pattern baldness is more prevalent than female balding.

The primary cause of hair loss is DHT

Male hormone metabolism (androgen/testosterone) is the primary cause of hair loss and male and female pattern baldness in both men and women.

Androgen metabolism includes the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, which binds to testosterone and transforms it into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (Dihydro-testosterone). DHT is a normal byproduct of human metabolism.

The reason behind male and female pattern hair loss

Some men and women are genetically predisposed to create greater amounts of DHT than average persons. One of the key reasons for male and female pattern baldness is the buildup of DHT and its influence on the cells inside the hair follicle and root.

When DHT enters the hair follicle and root, particularly the dermal papilla, it alters the cell's function and stops essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals from supplying food to the hairs of those follicles. Consequently, hair follicle reproduction is significantly slowed. This either shortens the follicle's growth phase (anagen phase) or lengthens its resting phase (telogen phase). DHT also causes hair follicles to decrease in size and become finer. This process, known as miniaturization, eventually results in hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia caused by DHT accounts for 95% of all hair loss.

The cornerstone for treating MPHL (male pattern hair loss) and FPHL (female pattern hair loss) is the molecular-level inhibition of DHT formation (female pattern hair loss). There are several natural DHT blockers as well as a variety of medicines used for medical hair restoration.