High concentration of DHT or Dihydrotestosterone can result from high enzymes levels and/or high testosterone levels. This disrupts the normal three-stage hair growth cycle by keeping follicles in the resting or telogen phase. It’s this break in the cycle that causes the follicle to wither resulting in excessive hair loss. However, not all hairs on the body are affected by this process. Hairs on the side of the head are less vulnerable and more resistant that those on the top. This relates directly to the genetic differences between these follicles from birth.

It’s the knowledge of the role of DHT that has resulted in the creation of DHT blockers and their proven effectiveness in the preventing of hair loss. Hair loss drugs like Minoxidil intervene in the process by either counteracting the symptoms (increasing blood flow to the hair follicle), or directly inhibiting the production of DHT.

Keep in mid that answers are never simple and the solution to a problem is often multifaceted. Managing stress in your life is also important, whether it’s mental, physical, or emotional. Stress has a direct impact on hormone levels in the body and any attempt to moderate those levels will have a positive influence on your body. Menopause and childbirth are two examples where hormone changes have been associated with hair loss.

If you are genetically predisposed to the influence of DHT, there are some gradual changes to monitor. As the anagen, or growth phase becomes shorter, the hair will become finer, shorter and less deeply colored. The term for this is called “miniaturization” of hairs. Hair loss becomes noticeable at this point but not necessarily due to fewer hairs on the scalp. The size or caliber of the hair is smaller, the depth of color and hair length are reduced. These add up to reduce coverage of the scalp with higher light penetration and the observation of thinning and balding.

In addition, the ratio of hairs in the telogen, or resting phase is increased. These hairs will be found in the susceptible areas where balding can be expected, front, top and crown of the head, also called the permanent zone, surrounded by the familiar horseshoe-shaped wreath of hair in the sides and back that are unaffected. Hairs in the telogen phase are easily dislodged when washing, drying, or combing hair. This is sometimes called the second sign of balding, after the miniaturization process mentioned above. More hairs are lost at this state at it can be quite traumatic, especially for younger men and women.