Female pattern hair loss is caused by genetics, hormones, aging, and menopause.
Cause
Female pattern hair loss is linked to genetics, hormones (androgens), aging and menopause.
Pattern
Thinning at the part and crown. The frontal hairline is usually kept.
How common
Affects about 1 in 3 women in their lifetime.
Treatment
Minoxidil (2% or 5% foam), spironolactone (prescription), low level laser and PRP.
Check
Rule out iron, thyroid and vitamin issues.
See a dermatologist
Early treatment works best.
Female pattern hair loss
Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) shows as thinning on the crown and widening part, with the frontal hairline usually kept. It involves genetics and hormone sensitivity of follicles, and affects around 40 percent of women by age 50 and up to 55 percent by age 70 in studies.
- The Ludwig scale grades severity from I to III.
- It shrinks follicles over time (miniaturization).
- Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disease, iron deficiency and menopause can add to hair loss.
Treatment
Topical minoxidil 2 percent or 5 percent is FDA-approved for women, applied daily and taking 4 to 6 months to show results. Spironolactone is used off-label to block androgens. Low-level laser devices are FDA-cleared. Platelet-rich plasma and hair transplantation are other options. Avoid finasteride in women who may become pregnant. A dermatologist should check ferritin, thyroid and hormone levels.
Female pattern hair loss
Female pattern hair loss causes thinning over the crown with a widening part and affects about 40 percent of women by age 50. Causes include genetics, androgens, aging and menopause. Other causes include iron deficiency, thyroid disease and PCOS.
Treatment
Topical minoxidil 2 or 5 percent is FDA approved for women. Spironolactone, low level laser and PRP are other options.
Pattern and causes
Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) causes diffuse thinning at the crown while the frontal hairline is mostly kept. It affects about one in three women at some point and increases after menopause. Genetics and hormones play roles, but women rarely have complete baldness. The Ludwig scale grades it from I to III.
Testing and treatment
Doctors check ferritin, thyroid hormones, vitamin D and, if signs of androgen excess appear, testosterone and DHEAS, since iron deficiency, thyroid disease and PCOS cause similar loss. Topical minoxidil 2 percent or 5 percent foam is FDA approved for women and needs months of daily use. Spironolactone is an off label option, low level laser caps and platelet rich plasma are other choices, and transplant is possible with enough donor hair. Minoxidil is not recommended in pregnancy.
Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Library of Medicine
