Main Causes of Hair Loss 

Men and women experience hair loss for similar reasons.

(1) The first main factor is a result of hormonal changes and imbalances.

MEN, unfortunately, experience a more dramatic, specific pattern of hair loss commonly termed "Male Pattern Baldness." This loss is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the resulting product of direct contact between the enzyme 5-alphareductase (normally found in the skin and scalp) and the hormone testosterone. DHT binds to receptor sites on the scalp and hair follicles, interacting and interrupting the normal chain of events involved in continual healthy hair growth.

WOMEN, experience many hormonal changes throughout their lives which can lead to hair loss. In general, women may lose hair after a pregnancy, or during menopause. But it is not limited to just these.  Any number or feminine hormonal imbalances can trigger hair loss in women.  

These hormonal changes in both men and women can cause hair loss by directly affecting the cells responsible for hair growth or by affecting the level of nutrients and blood flow to the follicle. The hair follicle cannot maintain a healthy growth cycle without proper nutrients and may eventually fall out and die.

(2) The second factor is attributed to overall poor blood circulation.  Studies have shown that the blood flow to the scalp of men and women suffering from hair loss was significantly lower than those not experiencing hair loss.

(3) The third factor is attributed to environmental pollutants.  Further studies have indicated that pollutants in the atmosphere have contributed to the production of "environmental hormones" which can also contribute to hair loss.

SUMMARY: As you can see there are many factors that can cause hair loss in both men and women but they all have one underlying theme in common, hair follicles that are affected by hormonal "clogging" agents and poor blood and nutrient circulation are less likely to experience a healthy growth cycle.