Androgenetic Alopecia causes the follicles become sensitive to hormones, or androgens that already exist within your body. Within those follicles are androgen receptors. The androgens (hormones) tell the androgen receptors to produce less hair. Consequently, growing cycles are shortened while hair becomes thinner and finer. While there is no loss of the actual follicle, eventually hair production can stop altogether.

How does this happen? An enzyme known as 5 alpha-reductase exists in the follicle. When the hormone (typically testosterone) binds to the androgen receptor, it triggers 5-alpha reductase to convert that testosterone into something called DHT. Its the DHT which plays the most active role in damaging hair production.

This is why “inhibiting DHT” is such a big catch-phrase in hair loss circles. That, and “anti-androgens”. Things which inhibit DHT, or work against this androgen process, are considered legitimate hair loss treatments.