TLDR Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.
In 1990, a study was conducted on 100 pre-menopausal Caucasian females with diffuse alopecia, aged 14 to 54, to assess hair characteristics and biochemical, hematological, and endocrine factors, comparing them with 20 controls. Significant changes in hair values were found, with a higher percentage of vellus and telogen hairs in the subjects. While 54.5% had elevated androgenic hormones, no correlation with hair loss was found. Notably, 72.0% had low serum ferritin levels, suggesting iron's role in hair health. The study concluded that diffuse alopecia in women may be androgen-dependent, similar to genetic hair loss in men, and coined the term "diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia." It suggested that extensive laboratory tests are generally unnecessary, but basic screening for certain hormones and nutrients could be beneficial. The study questioned the need to demonstrate androgen excess before anti-androgen therapy and indicated that the response to such therapy is an area for further research.
20 citations,
July 1990 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology” Taking cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol for hair loss can lower vitamin B12 levels in women.
31 citations,
January 1989 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” The study tested a hair treatment and found it can help grow hair, but won't stop baldness. It's safe and works well, but needs more testing.
43 citations,
July 1984 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Antiandrogen therapy helped increase hair growth in women with hormonal imbalances related to baldness.
90 citations,
October 1983 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The unit area trichogram is a reliable method to assess hair loss and treatment response in people with androgenic alopecia by measuring hair density and thickness.
40 citations,
March 1982 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Young women with diffuse hair loss may have low SHBG levels, which could lead to more active testosterone and contribute to their hair loss.
666 citations,
September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.
63 citations,
October 1972 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Women with thinning hair have thinner hair strands than women without hair loss.
May 2023 in “Experimental Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss may be linked to the developmental origins of hair follicles.
1 citations,
January 2019 in “Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering” CGF from platelets helps hair regrowth in people with androgenetic alopecia.
Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.
Some treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and surgery can help with hereditary hair loss.
6 citations,
December 2014 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Hair density and thickness decrease in all scalp areas for East Asians with AGA.
21 citations,
October 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Testosterone therapy helped 63% of androgen-deficient women grow scalp hair, but more research is needed.
