What causes women to have bald patches after age 50?

Female-pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition that affects women as they age. It is caused by a combination of genetics, hormonal changes, and aging.

Genetics

The genes you inherit from your parents play a role in whether or not you will experience female-pattern hair loss. If you have a family history of baldness, you are more likely to develop it yourself.

Hormonal changes

Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that play a role in hair growth. As women age, their levels of these hormones decline, which can lead to hair loss.

Aging

As women age, the hair follicles on their scalp shrink and produce thinner, shorter hair. This can make the scalp appear bald or thinning.

There are a number of treatments available for female-pattern hair loss, including medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. If you are concerned about hair loss, talk to your doctor.