What is Female Pattern Hair Loss?

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Female pattern hair loss is common balding in females, otherwise known as androgenetic alopecia. It involves a typical hair loss pattern, resulting from hormones, aging and genetic predisposition. A woman who notices the beginning of hair loss may not be sure if the loss is going to be temporary or permanent—for example, if there has been a recent event such as pregnancy or illness that may be associated with temporary hair thinning.

The pattern of female pattern baldness tends to be different from men’s. Typically, women will notice diffuse hair loss throughout the mid scalp but retain the majority of their hairline. The following two conditions indicate alopecia in women;

• Hair thinning over the entire head
• Hair loss at the crown or hair line, from mild to moderate

Female pattern baldness is caused by the presence of a male hormone called testosterone in female body. Testosterone is caused by androgen hormone. It is a known fact some women are more sensitive to this hormone than others. This sensitivity causes thinning of hair on their scalp.

Effective treatments are available although there is no cure. It is important to manage expectations when seeking treatment as the aim is to slow or stop the progression of hair loss rather than to promote hair regrowth. However, some women do experience hair regrowth with treatment. Results are variable and it is not possible to predict who may or may not benefit from treatment.

Two approaches commonly used to treat Female Pattern Hair Loss involve the use of Rogaine (minoxidil) solution on the scalp and oral medications that block the effects of androgens. Aldactone (spironolactone) pills help many women, especially whose hair loss starts before menopause but takes many months. Hormone replacement pills, such as Prempro, plus Aldactone are better after menopause. Treatment with Propecia, a medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to 5-DHT, certainly helps male pattern hair loss, but has no effect on female pattern hair loss.

Once started, treatment would need to continue for at least six months before the effects are seen, and it is important not to stop treatment without discussing it with your doctor first. Long term treatment is usually necessary to sustain the benefits.

Other solutions include Laser hair therapy, hair transplantation, hair replacement systems, concealers, extensions and wigs are viable options.