Illustration copyright 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

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 hair throughout the entire scalp, including the top and sides. Women do not generally have bald spots but rather have overall thinning hair.