Female pattern hair loss
September 2001
in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
TLDR Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.
Female pattern hair loss is a genetic and androgen-dependent condition that affects women similarly to male pattern baldness. Diagnosis can be difficult due to less recognizable patterns. The condition causes a decrease in hair diameter and percentage of hairs in anagen in affected areas. Topical minoxidil is effective but has risks, while systemic antiandrogens have shown improvement in small trials but require more research. The effectiveness of finasteride for treating female pattern hair loss is uncertain and more research is needed. Diagnosis is made through physical examination and scalp biopsy, and treatment options include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and hair transplantation.
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