It is a little known fact that up to 60% of women suffer from hair loss at some time in their lives. Fortunately, most women do not suffer complete baldness and in many cases a full head of hair is regrown.

Unlike men, however, where up the 90% of hair loss is due to hereditary male pattern baldness, women can have many different causes including pregnancy, the menopause and after a hyserectomy.

The best way to find the cause of female hair loss is through a number of tests including checking hormone levels (DHEA, testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, follicular stimulating hormone, and leutinizing hormone), Thyroid levels, VDRL (a screening test for syphilis), Scalp biopsy and Densitometry -- A handheld magnification device used to check for miniaturisation of the hair shaft.

These tests would be carried out by a GP or tricologists and as with all hair loss, the sooner the cause is diagnosed the sooner a treatment can be started and the chances of full regrowth will be greater.

Minoxidil and Nourkrin have both been reported to help stop hair loss in women though Propecia is not recommended as it may damage their unborn child if they become pregnant.