- The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern baldness.

- Female pattern baldness usually begins about age 30, becomes noticeable around age 40, and may be even more noticeable after menopause.

- The cause is still not completely understood but  the most likely cause of scalp hair loss is  an inherited sensitivity to the effects of androgens (male hormones) on scalp hair follicles. and is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head.

- Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. 

- True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not re-grown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs.

- Hair loss in both men and women is again, partly genetic and partly hormonal. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents' side of the family.

Patterns of female androgenetic alopecia can vary considerably in appearance. In general, there are 5 patterns of hair loss in female androgenetic alopecia:

Ludwig Classification of Female Pattern Baldness

If you are a woman with thinning or lost scalp hair, your first necessary step is to have the condition correctly diagnosed by a physician hair restoration specialist. After a diagnosis is made, the physician will recommend an approach to effective medical or surgical treatment.

Causes of hair loss: Surgeries, severe illness, post pregnancy and emotional stress can cause hair loss. Anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities are also a cause for loss of hair. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.

Women may experience some noticeable hair loss in the wake of a major hormonal change. In most cases though, the condition does not become terribly advanced. Post pregnancy hormone conditions can be a cause of this type of hair loss as can discontinuation of birth control pills, menopause and menstrual cycles. In most cases though, the condition is temporary. Many women discover that their hair will grow back to its former luster within a year.