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Pattern hair loss (male or female pattern)

Also called: Male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss, androgenetic alopecia

Gradual hair thinning that runs in families: a receding hairline or bald top in men, and thinning at the part in women. Treatments can slow it.

TypeInherited hair loss
CauseGenes and hormones
TreatmentMinoxidil, finasteride

Overview

Hair follicles shrink over time and grow thinner, shorter hair.

In men it starts at the temples and crown. In women the part widens.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Thinning on top or a receding hairline
  • Hair loss

Less common

  • Wider part

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySudden patchy hair loss with scalp pain or redness.
See a doctor soonHair loss that bothers you.

Causes

Genes and hormones (androgens).

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Family history
  • Age

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional looks at the pattern.

Questions you may be asked

  • Family history
  • Periods or hormone symptoms in women

The exam

A scalp exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Blood tests: In women, to check iron, thyroid, and hormones.

Treatment

Treatment works best when started early.

Self-care

  • Be gentle with hair
  • Consider styles that make thinning less visible

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Minoxidil
Men and womenMust keep using to keep results.
Finasteride (prescription)
MenNot for women who could get pregnant.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Hair transplant surgery is an option for some.

Prevention

It can't be prevented, but:

  • Early treatment slows it

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment can slow or partly reverse thinning.

Myths and facts

Myth: Wearing hats causes hair loss.

Fact: Hats don't cause pattern hair loss. Genes and hormones do.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Which treatment fits me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pattern hair loss (male or female pattern)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.