Diagnosis and Management of Female Pattern Hair Loss
January 2020
in “
Bioscientia medicina
”
female pattern hair loss FPHL hormonal factors genetic factors nonscarring baldness anagen phase miniaturized hair follicles vertex scalp middle scalp frontal scalp Ludwig's criteria topical minoxidil hair transplantation low-level laser therapy LLLT anti-androgen therapy minoxidil Rogaine laser therapy
TLDR Female pattern hair loss is common, worsens with age, and requires long-term treatment to manage.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) was identified as the most common type of hair loss in post-puberty females, with its prevalence increasing with age. The exact cause remained unclear, though hormonal and genetic factors were implicated. Unlike male pattern hair loss, hormonal influence in FPHL was less significant. FPHL was characterized by nonscarring baldness, shortened anagen phases, and miniaturized hair follicles, primarily affecting the vertex, middle, and frontal scalp regions. Diagnosis was clinical, based on Ludwig's criteria. FDA-approved treatments included topical minoxidil 2%, hair transplantation, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), while anti-androgen therapy required further research. The prognosis was poor, necessitating long-term treatment to prevent progression rather than cure the condition.
