Baldness is hereditary and results from a change in the way hair follicles in the balding area metabolize androgens, the male sex hormones. Two thousand years ago, an application of pigeon droppings was all the rage. Since then, camel dung and hedgehog hair have been in vogue, along with onion-juice rubs and a host of other elixirs. These days, proven medical treatments are available to help. It can range from a slight thinning of hair overall, to a receding hairline or bald spot at the crown, to complete baldness, save for a fringe of hair just above and behind the ears.
Women can also suffer male pattern baldness, but at a much lower rate than men do.
Women who have the disorder are more likely to experience overall thinning of scalp hair, but sometimes they may exhibit the more extreme patterns of loss typical to men. This hereditary condition can begin as early as the late teens. For unknown reasons, the hair follicles in the areas prone to baldness stop metabolizing male sex hormones properly. Gradually, these hair follicles shrink, hair growth slows, and permanent baldness results. Causes Established causes can be narrowed into either a genetic or hormonal factor.