It is caused by genetics attributed to the mother or father; and hormones, specifically testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Some women have genetically determined hair loss or hair loss from a series of medical conditions or genetic inheritance. Others may experience hair loss from surgery, or injury. Still others experience hair loss from wearing very tight hairstyles that exert constant pull on the hair. Because some hair loss in women can be caused by underlying medical conditions, it is important that women with undiagnosed hair loss be evaluated by their own physicians.

Hair is like the body's health indicator and when something is amiss with ones health or nervous system the hair will give some very good clues. Hair loss being one of them. Throughout life, endocrine secretions support or modify the pre- determined growth pattern. Thus, the change in endocrine balance can modify hair growth.