Hair loss in females is much more common than one might think. Female pattern hair loss is often referred to as female pattern alopecia. The hair loss may often be only partial much like that seen in male pattern baldness. Female pattern hair loss is most often seen after women reach menopause and may affect up to one third of women prone to this disorder. The thinning tends to be gradual in onset. Genetically the hair loss can come from either side of the family.

When looking at women with hair loss, it's typical to see a slow thinning of hair. Increasingly shorter hairs grow back in the place of lost hairs until hair appears to be drastically thinned in affected areas. It is most common to see dramatic loss on the front and top of a woman's head. This problem can be devastating and extremely embarrassing for many women.

Generally speaking, most female hair loss occurs after a woman has become menopausal. But that doesn't mean that it can't happen after pregnancy, after going off of birth control pills, or as early as puberty in the teenage years. Though it is largely genetic, female pattern alopecia can accompany times of illness or extreme stress. If this is the case, the hair loss may be temporary and the hair can return after the accompanying problem is solved. But even then, hair takes a long time to regrow.

Treatment typically involves the use of Rogaine (minoxidil) which is the only FDA medication currently approved for female hair loss. It is a topical application to the skin done on a regular basis. Propecia is reported to be ineffective in women. Another medication, Aldactone, may help many women but takes to time to begin working and is most effective for those that have hair loss beginning before menopause. Some hormone replacement pills have been seen to be effective following menopause. Hair transplant is also an option in some women.

Treatment is not always effective and some other techniques such as perms, dying, and other cosmetic approaches to try and minimize the visual impact of the hair loss. There also have been improvements in the quality of wigs and other hair additions which may substantially improve a woman's appearance. The best advice is to look around at the available options before coming to a conclusion on how you want to treat the problem in your particular situation.