This is the most common type of hair loss seen in women and is an Inherited condition. Just as men acquire the susceptibility to hair loss from one or both parents so too can women. This determines the location and the number of hairs that are lost or thinned. The hair loss is triggered by androgens (male hormones); therefore, it may occur at anytime from puberty but is most commonly seen after the menopause. All women have a small amount of male hormone and these levels can become more pronounced if levels of female hormones decrease as occurs at menopause.

In men & women, the male hormone Testosterone is converted to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase. DHT then proceeds to influence the susceptible hairs to fall or thin out. In women, however, it is thought that hair loss does not proceed as far as it does in men because women have only half the amount of 5-alpha reductase. In addition, women have increased amounts of the enzyme Aromatase. This converts male hormone into female hormone.  

Hair transplantation could be of benefit with this condition. 

                                                LUDWIG STAGES OF FPHL

               Type I                                    Type II                                Type III