Alopecia is a common cause of hair loss affecting about two million Americans. It usually starts with one or more small round bald patches on the scalp, and can progress to total body hair loss. It occurs in both sexes, all races and all ages. However, young people are most often affected.

Androgen Alopecia is initiated by androgen hormones.  Androgens are responsible for developing masculine characteristics, present in men and women.  Dihydrotestosterone, referred to as DHT, is a destructive androgen hormone comprised of testosterone and the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.  DHT attacks susceptible hair follicles.  These follicles slowly weaken, shrink and finally degrade.  Female androgen hair loss will not occur if DHT is not present.  Female androgen alopecia is more likely noticed by the mid-twenties and early thirties.  It is particularly initiated at the time of hormone changes.  Women experiencing androgen alopecia see a decrease in the hair's density, but rarely go bald.  Other female androgen responses are facial hair and adult acne.