What Is It? Hereditary-pattern baldness is the most common cause
of hair loss. Hereditary-pattern baldness is not really a
disease, but a natural condition caused by some combination of
genetics, hormone levels and the aging process. Almost all men
and women will notice hair loss or hair thinning as they age.
However, up to 40% of men and women will experience a more
obvious form of this condition. Hair loss typically begins in
the 20s and 30s, although in women the changes are most
noticeable after menopause. The condition is also called
androgenetic alopecia and, in men, male-pattern baldness.
Researchers have begun to understand more about the cause of
this type of hair loss. Under the influence of a form of the
male hormone testosterone, the normal cycle of hair growth
changes, resulting in shorter, thinner or "miniaturized" hair.
Eventually, hair growth in certain parts of the scalp stops
entirely, which causes the typical pattern of hair loss.
Contrary to the folk wisdom that baldness is inherited from