Female Pattern Hair Loss

June 2008 in “ Springer eBooks ”

Elise A. Olsen

Female Pattern Hair Loss FPHL androgens testosterone dihydrotestosterone DHT topical minoxidil antiandrogens hair transplants minoxidil Rogaine

Studysummary Over 50% of women over 50 experience hair loss, with minoxidil being the only proven effective treatment.

Automatically generated from the study's abstract, not written by a person, and not a review of the full paper. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Read the original study, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

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A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a new 5% minoxidil foam formulation significantly increased hair counts and improved hair loss condition in men with androgenetic alopecia over 16 weeks compared to placebo.

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased scalp hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss, particularly at a 2.5 mg dose, and was more effective than finasteride over 24 weeks.

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating iron deficiency related to nutritional anemia and hair loss, concluding that routine screening and supplementation for hair loss are not yet supported by sufficient evidence.

research Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

108 citations , March 2006 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study observed that 62% of premenopausal women with female pattern hair loss reported improvement when treated with oral finasteride and an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss and Its Relationship to Permanent/Cicatricial Alopecia: A New Perspective

73 citations , November 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This article reviews the potential relationship between different forms of permanent hair loss such as cicatricial pattern hair loss and discusses related conditions, reporting no new clinical findings.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss, Sebum Excretion, and the End-Organ Response to Androgens

31 citations , October 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that sebum excretion is not increased in women with female pattern hair loss, suggesting nonandrogenic factors may contribute to hair loss in some women without hirsutism.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

193 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This study found that the prevalence of androgenetic alopecia increases with age among both men and women in Maryborough, Australia, with 57% of women and 73.5% of men aged 80 and over affected.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

179 citations , March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that 88% of women with female pattern hair loss who received oral antiandrogens saw no progression or improvement in their condition.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the historical developments in understanding and treating male pattern hair loss, emphasizing the role of dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase inhibitors, but reports no new clinical findings.

research The Reliability of Horizontally Sectioned Scalp Biopsies in the Diagnosis of Chronic Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss in Women

137 citations , July 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed that triple horizontal scalp biopsies provided a more accurate diagnosis of female pattern hair loss in women than a single horizontal biopsy, especially for those with advanced hair loss.

research Estrogens And The Hair Follicle

50 citations , May 2004 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

This review discusses the role of estrogens in hair follicle cycling and the skin, highlighting the need for more research on estrogen signaling pathways and their interactions with other factors in hair biology.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this 48-week trial, 5% topical minoxidil was more effective than both 2% minoxidil and placebo in promoting hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss, with notable improvements in nonvellus hair count and hair growth assessments.

research Estrogens and Human Scalp Hair Growth: More Questions Than Answers

44 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study observed that in vitro treatment of male frontotemporal scalp hair follicles with 17-β-estradiol stimulated hair shaft generation and hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation, suggesting potential anagen-prolonging effects.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

In this study, polycystic ovary syndrome was the most prevalent cause of androgen excess, and suppressive hormonal therapy improved hirsutism, menstrual dysfunction, and acne in most patients, though side effects were common.

Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

research Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

78 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the potential impact of melatonin on hair growth, noting its benefits observed in animals, but reports no clinical results in humans to date.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth and reports no new clinical findings.

research Histological Features of Peripilar Signs Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia

95 citations , January 2004 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

This study found that peripilar signs on the scalp are linked to perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrates in early androgenetic alopecia, detectable even in areas with high hair density.

research Finasteride Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss in Normoandrogenic Postmenopausal Women

72 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatology”

This study found that oral finasteride, at a dosage of 2.5 mg/day or more, may improve hair growth and appearance in postmenopausal women with pattern hair loss, without adverse effects.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovaries in Women with Androgenic Alopecia

84 citations , November 2003 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This study found that women with androgenic alopecia had a higher prevalence of polycystic ovarian morphology and higher androgen levels compared to controls, suggesting a strong association with PCO.

research Hair Transplanting: An Important but Often Forgotten Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss

43 citations , October 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article explains why modern hair transplant techniques can be effective for women with pattern hair loss, despite this being underrecognized.

research Production Rates of Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone in Female Pattern Hair Loss

17 citations , July 2003 in “Metabolism-clinical and Experimental”

This study found that young women with female-pattern hair loss exhibit increased testosterone production rates while dihydrotestosterone production rates remain within or below the normal range.

research Phototrichogram Analysis of Japanese Female Subjects with Chronic Diffuse Hair Loss

25 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This study found that among Japanese women with diffuse hair loss, decreased hair density without changes in vellus hair was the most common and distinct pattern observed, highlighting differences from previous observations in other populations.

research Current and Novel Methods for Assessing Efficacy of Hair Growth Promoters in Pattern Hair Loss

86 citations , February 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses various mechanisms for promoting hair growth in pattern hair loss and highlights the challenge of balancing short-term measurable results in trials with the need for long-term efficacy data.

research Treatment of Hyperandrogenic Alopecia in Women

108 citations , January 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that flutamide at 250 mg daily modestly improved hair thinning in premenopausal women with hyperandrogenic alopecia over one year, while cyproterone acetate and finasteride were not effective.

research Cutaneous Androgen Metabolism: Basic Research And Clinical Perspectives

233 citations , November 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This review explores androgen metabolism in the skin, highlighting enzyme localization and potential implications for treating androgen-dependent skin conditions, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Hair Loss in Women with Hyperandrogenism: Four Cases Responding to Finasteride

92 citations , October 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reports that oral finasteride improved or stabilized hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism but not in postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss.

research The Potential Role of Minoxidil in the Hair Transplantation Setting

31 citations , October 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This article reviews expert opinions on combining pharmacologic treatments like minoxidil with hair transplantation, reporting improved hair density and regrowth in patients with partially functioning follicles.

research Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

149 citations , June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

research Steroid Sulfatase in the Human Hair Follicle Concentrates in the Dermal Papilla

61 citations , December 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that steroid sulfatase in the dermal papilla of hair follicles metabolizes dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to support the development of androgenetic alopecia, suggesting potential for steroid sulfatase inhibitors as treatments.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

226 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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

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 Biochemical Roles of Testosterone and Epitestosterone to 5α-Reductase as Indicators of Male-Pattern Baldness

47 citations , January 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

High testosterone to epitestosterone ratio in hair could predict male-pattern baldness.

research Incidence of Female Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Alopecia)

89 citations , January 2001 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair loss in women is common, starts in late 20s, and affects 30% of women over 50.

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 Intracrinology and the Skin

82 citations , January 2000 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics”

This study describes the enzymatic processes through which DHEA is converted to active sex steroids in human skin, highlighting an androgenic effect on sebaceous glands and estrogenic effects in the vagina.

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 Diffuse Female Hair Loss: Are Androgens Necessary?

110 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This case report describes a young woman with hypopituitarism who experienced hair loss typical of female androgenetic alopecia without detectable androgens, suggesting this hair loss pattern may not always be androgen dependent.

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.

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.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

234 citations , December 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The authors concluded that chronic telogen effluvium in middle-aged women presents distinct clinical and histological features that differ from androgenetic alopecia and acute telogen effluvium.

research An Estrogen Receptor Pathway Regulates the Telogen-Anagen Hair Follicle Transition and Influences Epidermal Cell Proliferation

154 citations , October 1996 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

This study found that 17-beta-estradiol inhibits hair growth in mice by blocking hair follicles in the telogen phase, whereas an estrogen receptor antagonist promotes hair growth by initiating anagen.

research Hemodynamic Effects of Minoxidil Following Intravenous Infusions in Untreated Hypertensive Patients

5 citations , February 1996 in “Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics/Clinical pharmacology & therapeutics”

Minoxidil given intravenously caused small changes in diastolic blood pressure and increased heart rate at higher concentrations in patients with high blood pressure.

research Postmenopausal Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Scarring Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

332 citations , June 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that progressive frontal hairline recession in postmenopausal women may exhibit features similar to fibrosing alopecia, with histologic similarities to lichen planopilaris but lacking lesions of lichen planus.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female: Treatment with 2% Topical Minoxidil Solution

26 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that a 2% topical minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than a placebo in promoting hair growth 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 Use of Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

58 citations , October 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that 2% topical minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than placebo in promoting new hair growth in women with androgenetic alopecia.

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.

research Incidence of Liver Toxicity Associated with the Use of Flutamide in Prostate Cancer Patients

116 citations , May 1992 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

This study found that flutamide-induced liver toxicity in prostate cancer patients was very rare, occurring in only 0.18% of cases with clinical manifestations, and symptoms resolved after discontinuing the drug.

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 Antiandrogens: Clinical Applications

39 citations , November 1990 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”

This abstract reviews the use and effects of various antiandrogens, finding clinical benefits in treating hyperandrogenism in women and improvements in urinary symptoms or cancer management in men, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with the Pure Antiandrogen Flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that combining flutamide with an oral contraceptive significantly reduced hirsutism, acne, and seborrhea in patients after seven months, without significant side effects.

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 Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness: Effects of Discontinuation of Treatment

57 citations , July 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, minoxidil treatment was associated with an increase in nonvellus scalp hairs, but this effect was not sustained once the treatment was stopped.

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 Cyclic Dynamics of Hair Follicles and the Effect of Minoxidil on the Bald Scalps of Stumptailed Macaques

54 citations , June 1985 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology”

This abstract does not provide specific findings or results.

research The Effects of Two Doses of Spironolactone on Serum Androgens and Anagen Hair in Hirsute Women

142 citations , February 1985 in “Fertility and sterility”

This study found that spironolactone reduced serum androstenedione and anagen hair shaft diameter in hirsute patients but did not significantly alter unbound testosterone levels, suggesting its effects are primarily peripheral.

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 Effective Medical Treatment for Common Baldness in Women

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

This study found that women with common baldness treated with cyclical antiandrogen therapy for 52 weeks experienced increased hair density and a higher percentage of hairs in the anagen growth phase.

research Androgen Antagonists in Androgen Target Tissues

27 citations , January 1984 in “Pharmacology & Therapeutics”

This review discusses androgen manipulation strategies for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma 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.