Female Pattern Hair Loss

September 2001 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Elise A. Olsen

female pattern hair loss androgen-dependent hair diameter anagen topical minoxidil systemic antiandrogens finasteride scalp biopsy hair transplantation Rogaine Propecia

From the encyclopedia

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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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Research cited in this study

32 / 32 results

research Polymorphism of the Androgen Receptor Gene Is Associated with Male Pattern Baldness

299 citations , March 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that specific genetic markers near the androgen receptor gene are significantly more common in men with male pattern baldness, suggesting a genetic component in its development.

research Hair Density, Hair Diameter, and the Prevalence of Female Pattern Hair Loss

234 citations , February 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

FPHL affects hair density and diameter, causing visible hair loss in older women.

research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

239 citations , November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, finasteride 1 mg/day for 12 months did not improve hair growth or slow hair thinning in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo.

research Fibrosing Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

158 citations , February 2000 in “Archives of dermatology”

This study reports that some patients with androgenetic alopecia may also exhibit clinical and histological features of inflammation and fibrosis, similar to those found in lichen planopilaris.

Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women

research Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women

145 citations , December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Finasteride 1mg helps reverse hair miniaturization in men and postmenopausal women.

research The Midline Part: An Important Physical Clue to the Clinical Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

90 citations , January 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article highlights a specific, yet largely unrecognized, sign that aids in diagnosing androgenetic alopecia in women, emphasizing its practical application in clinical settings.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.

research Genetic Analysis of Male Pattern Baldness and the 5α-Reductase Genes

169 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found no significant genetic association between the 5α-reductase enzyme genes and male pattern baldness, suggesting a polygenic etiology rather than simple inheritance.

research Comparison of Finasteride Versus Spironolactone in the Treatment of Idiopathic Hirsutism

76 citations , December 1997 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that spironolactone was significantly more effective than finasteride in reducing hirsutism scores over 9 months, despite more side effects occurring in the spironolactone group.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Potential Complication for Clinical Trials in Female Androgenetic Alopecia?

6 citations , December 1997 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

CTE can distort results in hair growth trials, so exclude it carefully.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

research Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

75 citations , November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that finasteride effectively reduced hirsutism in women during 12 months of treatment, with some effects persisting in the majority after stopping the medication.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium

75 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This review examines chronic telogen effluvium, highlighting its distinctive features and the need for reassurance about its non-progressive nature, but reports no new clinical results.

research Alterations in Androgen Conjugate Levels in Women and Men with Alopecia

24 citations , October 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study suggests that in women with androgenic alopecia and men with premature balding, enhanced 5α-reductase activity and altered androgen conjugation, favoring sulfurylation, may be involved in scalp hair loss.

research Postmenopausal Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

325 citations , June 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study observed that progressive frontal recession in postmenopausal women may exhibit features of fibrosing alopecia, suggesting a distinct reaction pattern from typical lichen planopilaris.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that a 2% topical minoxidil solution significantly increased hair regrowth compared to placebo in women with androgenetic alopecia over 32 weeks.

research Comparison of Flutamide and Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

165 citations , February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that flutamide was more effective than spironolactone in reducing symptoms of hirsutism and related conditions in premenopausal women, with fewer discontinuations due to side effects.

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”

This study concluded that horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens provide more diagnostic information for male pattern androgenetic alopecia than vertical sections and can predict hair regrowth potential following topical minoxidil therapy.

The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

research The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

83 citations , April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

This study found that treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol increased hair density in women with diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia, particularly when serum ferritin levels were above 40 μg/l.

research Plasma C19 Steroid Sulfate Levels and Indices of Androgen Bioavailability in Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

32 citations , January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

This study found that women with female pattern androgenic alopecia have significantly higher levels of certain androgens and androgen sulfates compared to normal premenopausal women, suggesting markers for diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

121 citations , March 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.

research Patterned Androgenic Alopecia in Women

130 citations , May 1988 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that frontal and frontoparietal hair recession is relatively common in women, especially after menopause, and may not indicate abnormal androgen metabolism absent other virilization signs.

research Serum Elevation of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Associated with Male Pattern Baldness in Young Men

52 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that men with rapidly progressive male pattern baldness had elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels, suggesting that adrenal hyperactivity may contribute to alopecia in genetically susceptible young men.

research Female Androgenic Alopecia

14 citations , September 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that women with female pattern baldness had a marked increase in the 3α,17β-androstanediol glucuronide/sex hormone binding globulin ratio and low serum sex hormone binding globulin.

research Topical Minoxidil in Early Male Pattern Baldness

138 citations , August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.

research Oral Spironolactone Therapy for Female Patients with Acne, Hirsutism, or Androgenic Alopecia

101 citations , January 1985 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article discusses oral spironolactone therapy for female patients with acne, hirsutism, or androgenic alopecia and reports no new clinical results.

research The Inheritance Of Common Baldness: To Be Or Not To Be?

203 citations , November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study presents evidence suggesting that androgenetic alopecia is most likely inherited through a polygenic model, challenging the traditional view that it is caused by a simple Mendelian autosomal dominant gene.

research Adrenal Androgenic Female-Pattern Alopecia: Sex Hormones and the Balding Woman

46 citations , June 1983 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

In this study, women with diffuse alopecia were found to have higher serum levels of adrenal androgen DHEAS, which may contribute to disrupted scalp hair growth.

research Lack of a Gonadal or Adrenal Androgenic Mechanism for the Hypertrichosis Produced by Diazoxide, Phenytoin, and Minoxidil

24 citations , May 1982 in “Biochemical Pharmacology”

These drugs cause hair growth without affecting testosterone or adrenal hormones.

research Low Sex-Hormone Binding Globulin Levels in Young Women with Diffuse Hair Loss

40 citations , March 1982 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that women experiencing diffuse hair loss had significantly lower levels of plasma sex-hormone binding globulin compared to controls, while their testosterone levels remained normal.

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

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article presents a classification system for stages of female-pattern androgenetic alopecia to aid early diagnosis and mentions existing systems for rare male-pattern cases, but reports no new clinical results.

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.