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Inherited Hair Loss

Picture of examples of male- and female-pattern hair loss

Inherited hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, also known as male- or female-pattern hair loss) is the most common cause of hair loss. It is inherited from either or both the mother and the father.

  • In men, hair loss occurs on the front hairline and forehead and on the top of the head. Bald spots are noticeable.
  • In women, hair loss occurs as thinning of the hair all over the scalp, but mostly on the top of the head. Women tend to keep their front hairline and do not generally develop bald spots.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Revised June 4, 2010

Last Revised: June 4, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology

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