Diffuse Female Hair Loss: Are Androgens Necessary?

September 1999 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Orme, Cullen, Andrew G. Messenger

diffuse female hair loss androgens hypopituitarism female androgenetic alopecia androgenization female pattern hair loss male balding

TLDR Female hair loss can occur without androgens.

The article reported a case of a young woman with hypopituitarism who exhibited clinical and histological features of female androgenetic alopecia despite having no detectable levels of circulating androgens or other signs of postpubertal androgenization. This case suggested that diffuse hair loss in women, often considered the female equivalent of male balding, was not necessarily dependent on androgens.

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Research cited in this study

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research Growth hormone substitution in adult growth hormone‐deficient men augments androgen effects on the skin

55 citations , July 1997 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

research The Control of Hair Growth: An Overview

62 citations , July 1993 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Hair growth is influenced by interactions between skin layers, growth factors, and hormones, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

research Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Horizontal Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens in Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

309 citations , May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations , August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.

research Effective Medical Treatment for Common Baldness in Women

43 citations , July 1984 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Antiandrogen therapy helped increase hair growth in women with hormonal imbalances related to baldness.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

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.

research Hair Diameter in Female Baldness

63 citations , October 1972 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Women with thinning hair have thinner hair strands than women without hair loss.

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