Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) differs from male pattern hair
loss (MPHL) in the following ways: - It is more likely to be
noticed later than in men, in the late twenties through early
forties. - It is likely to be seen at times of hormonal change,
i.e., use of birth control pills, after childbirth, around the
time of menopause, and after menopause. - Recession at the
temples is less likely than in men and women tend to maintain
the position of their hairlines. - Like in men, the entire top
of the scalp is the area of risk. - In women there is generally
a diffuse thinning throughout the area as opposed to thinning in
the crown of men. Ludwig has classified hair loss in women into
three classes. The vast majority of women affected fall into the
Ludwig I class. In the United States it is estimated that 21
million women are affected by FPHL. The incidence in women has
been reported to be as low as eight percent and as high as 87
percent. It does appear to be as common in women as in men. The
hair loss in women