Hormonal changes in male and female beings may result in hair loss. Frequent changes in the metabolic process of androgen hormone cause hair loss. Androgen is basically a male hormone that is responsible both for hair growth and hair loss. Androgen metabolism gets involved with the 5-alpha reductase which combines with the testosterone to produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT is a major cause of hair fall. The structure of hair follicle called dermal papilla leads to hair growth. Cells of dermal papilla get divided to form new hair follicles.

The dermal papilla is directly connected to blood capillaries of skin. Dermal papilla derives nutrients for growth of hair follicles. Androgenic receptors are more in male than female and the dermal papilla contains numerous receptors for androgens. Proper nourishment is important to maintain the hair. When dihydrotestosterone reaches the dermal papilla and hair follicles, it prevents necessary nutrients like vitamins, minerals and proteins to reach the follicles. This restricts the growing period of hair follicles. DHT also leads to miniaturization, due to which the hair get shrink and finally falls off. DHT also results in the accumulation of wax like stuff around hair roots. This substance is a major cause of hair loss.