Tag: androgenetic alopecia

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female Pattern Hair Loss is more common than people think. With men, the hair loss is quite obvious. For women, Female Pattern Hair Loss presents with general thinning across the top of the scalp and may take years before it is quite evident.

What causes Female Pattern Hair Loss?

The exact cause of Female Pattern Hair Loss has not been delineated. Unlike Male Pattern Hair Loss, where excess of Dihydrotestosterone (a male hormone) has been shown to be the main causative factor, there has been no direct association with hormonal imbalances in women. In fact, most women with this condition have normal levels of androgens (male hormones). Female Pattern Hair Loss does worsen after menopause, giving some the theory that there could be a role for a relative decrease in oestrogen, and consequently relative rise of androgens, cause hair loss.

There is, however, an inheritance pattern. Like men, women can inherit Female Pattern Hair Loss from either their mother or father. The number of genes inherited will determine how thin the hair becomes.

 

Presentation of Female Pattern Hair Loss

For most women, they will find that their centre part will be wider than usual. In general, they will find that the top and crown of their scalp is quite thinned out. For some they may have a more “Male Pattern” type of hair loss, with thinning and recession to the temples. The staging system used is the Ludwig Classification:

ludwig

 

Next month : Treatment

 

 

 

 

 

Pattern Hair Loss

First in our series on non-scarring hair loss is the ever pervasive Pattern Hair Loss or Androgenetic Alopecia. It is mostly an inherited condition affecting up to 40% of women by menopause, and up to twice that amount in men by age 50.

Pattern Hair Loss presents differently between men and women. Women tend to have generalised thinning to the top and sides, whilst men start off with thinning at the temples eventually ending with the “horse shoe” shape that is often dreaded.

The cause of Pattern Hair Loss, though largely known, is still being determined. In men it is due to excessive sensitivity to the male hormone dihydrotesterone. In women, male hormones are not seen as a major factor, however, the exact mechanism is yet to be determined. In fact, it has been postulated that there are other non-hormonal factors which may contribute to Pattern Hair Loss in both men and women.

As it is a genetic disorder, there is no permanent cure for Pattern Hair Loss. Gene therapy, ideally the perfect treatment,  has not been developed for the condition. The best that is available today is hair transplantation. In the near future, stem cell therapy will likely lead the way. For most, topical Minoxidil is the best option in addition to oral therapy with Finasteride and other anti-androgen medications are useful.

Next month: Male Pattern Hair Loss- Cause and Staging