Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Overview

February 2015 in “ Current problems in dermatology ”

D. Ioannides, Elizabeth Lazaridou

female pattern hair loss postmenopausal hair density crown frontal scalp medications surgical treatments light therapy nutritional supplementation hormones genetics FPHL

TLDR Female pattern hair loss treatments vary in effectiveness and may have side effects.

This document provides an overview of female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a common condition that mostly affects postmenopausal women and is characterized by a reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp. The article discusses various treatment options, including medications, surgical treatments, light therapy, and nutritional supplementation. The efficacy of these treatments varies, with some showing promising results but also potential side effects. The document also includes a list of references on the topic of FPHL, covering topics such as the role of hormones, genetics, and treatment options.

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research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update Of Treatment Options

110 citations , August 2016 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical drug for treating male or female pattern hair loss, and other medications like finasteride and dutasteride can also increase hair growth.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

23 citations , September 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

FPHL causes hair loss in women due to genetics and hormones; minoxidil and anti-androgens are treatments, and early intervention is advised.

research Female Pattern Alopecia: Current Perspectives

42 citations , August 2013 in “International Journal of Women's Health”

Female pattern hair loss is caused by multiple factors and while treatments like topical minoxidil, hormone therapy, and low-level light therapy can help, none can fully cure it.

research Mesotherapy Using Dutasteride-Containing Preparation in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Photographic, Morphometric and Ultrastructural Evaluation

41 citations , June 2013 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Dutasteride-containing mesotherapy effectively treats female hair loss, improving density and thickness with minimal side effects.

research Hair: What Is New in Diagnosis and Management?

46 citations , January 2013 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Female pattern hair loss diagnosed by scalp appearance, treated with combined therapies and targeted approaches.

research Nutrition and Hair: The Role of Nutrients in Hair Health

98 citations , January 2013 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.

research Promising Therapies for Treating and Preventing Androgenic Alopecia

36 citations , June 2012 in “PubMed”

There are potential treatments for pattern baldness, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

81 citations , May 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Latanoprost 0.1% may effectively treat hair loss.

research The Human Hair Follicle, A Bistable Organ?

45 citations , March 2012 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Human hair follicles switch between active and resting phases unpredictably.

research Value of Trichoscopy Versus Trichogram for Diagnosis of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

45 citations , January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy is better than trichogram for diagnosing female hair loss.

research A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

100 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.

research Enhanced Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Containing a New Carrier on Hair Growth

166 citations , December 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.

research Hair Through the Female Life Cycle

40 citations , December 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Women's hair generally gets thinner and less dense starting in their mid-thirties, with hair loss becoming more common as they age due to both genetics and environment.

research Hormonal Changes in Menopause: Do They Contribute to a Midlife Hair Crisis in Women?

38 citations , December 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Menopause-related hormonal changes affect hair but are not the only cause of hair changes in middle-aged women.

research The Latest Innovations in Hair Transplantation

32 citations , July 2011 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

New hair transplant methods offer more natural results and better graft survival, with ongoing research to increase donor hair options.

research Polymorphic CAG Repeat Numbers in the Androgen Receptor Gene of Female Pattern Hair Loss Patients

10 citations , July 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Longer CAG repeats in gene linked to more severe hair loss in females.

research Role of Genetics and Sex Steroid Hormones in Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Update

87 citations , May 2011 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Genetics and hormones play a role in male and female hair loss, but more research is needed to fully understand it.

research Prospective Cohort Study on the Effects and Tolerability of Flutamide in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss

42 citations , April 2011 in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy”

Flutamide effectively treats female pattern hair loss with low doses showing good liver tolerance.

research 5 mg/Day Finasteride Treatment for Normoandrogenic Asian Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss

64 citations , February 2011 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride improves hair density and thickness in women with hair loss.

research S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women, and Adolescents

151 citations , January 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines for diagnosing common hair loss include detailed history, clinical examination, and various diagnostic techniques.

research Update on the Pathogenesis, Genetics, and Medical Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss

19 citations , November 2010 in “PubMed”

New genetic insights have improved understanding of hair loss, leading to a new test and treatments, but more research is needed on the test and laser comb effectiveness.

research Enhancing the Growth of Natural Eyelashes: The Mechanism of Bimatoprost-Induced Eyelash Growth

69 citations , September 2010 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Bimatoprost is a safe and effective treatment for making eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker.

research Controversy: Is There a Role for Adjuvants in the Management of Male Pattern Hair Loss?

10 citations , May 2010 in “PubMed”

Adjuvants, diet changes, and laser therapy may improve male pattern hair loss.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss in Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

54 citations , May 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women may have causes other than hormones.

research Gene-Wide Association Study Between the Aromatase Gene (CYP19A1) and Female Pattern Hair Loss

77 citations , August 2009 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Aromatase gene variation may increase female hair loss risk.

research Scalp Dermoscopy of Androgenetic Alopecia in Asian People

67 citations , February 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

research HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

160 citations , January 2009 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

HairMax LaserComb® effectively promotes hair growth and stops hair loss in males with androgenetic alopecia, with no serious side effects.

research Dermoscopy in Female Androgenic Alopecia: Method Standardization and Diagnostic Criteria

129 citations , January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy can diagnose female hair loss with high accuracy by looking for specific patterns in hair and scalp appearance.

research Comparing the Therapeutic Effects of Finasteride Gel and Tablet in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

57 citations , January 2009 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

research Understanding and Management of Female Pattern Alopecia

30 citations , November 2008 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

The conclusion is that the best approach for treating Female Pattern Hair Loss is a combination of different treatments.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , October 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

research Androgens and Hair Growth

209 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Androgens can both increase and decrease hair growth in different parts of the body.

research Topical Fulvestrant Solution Has No Effect on Male and Postmenopausal Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Results from Two Randomized, Proof-of-Concept Studies

6 citations , November 2007 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Fulvestrant solution doesn't help hair loss in men and postmenopausal women.

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 , November 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.

research Anisotrichosis: A Novel Term to Describe Pattern Alopecia

25 citations , May 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The document suggests "anisotrichosis" as a new term for hair thickness variation in common baldness.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss with a Combination of Spironolactone and Minoxidil

21 citations , February 2007 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Spironolactone and minoxidil together effectively treat female pattern hair loss.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 1% Topical Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Japanese Women

10 citations , January 2007 in “PubMed”

1% topical minoxidil solution significantly improved hair growth in Japanese women with androgenetic alopecia, with no major side effects.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Current Treatment Concepts

50 citations , January 2007 in “PubMed”

Minoxidil 2% and 5% are common treatments for female pattern hair loss, with other options including anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and hair transplantation.

research Follicular Miniaturization in Female Pattern Hair Loss: Clinicopathological Correlations

100 citations , November 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss severity relates to increased miniaturization in female pattern hair loss.

research Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

108 citations , March 2006 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride with oral contraceptive helps improve hair loss in premenopausal women.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

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

Hair loss common in Australia; men affected earlier, more often than Asians; women less concerned.

research Effective Treatment of Female Androgenic Alopecia with Dutasteride

33 citations , September 2005 in “PubMed”

Dutasteride successfully treated a woman's hair loss when other treatments failed.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Children: Report of 20 Cases

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

AGA can occur in children with family history; early diagnosis and treatment important.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

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

Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.

research Estrogens And The Hair Follicle

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

Estrogens generally inhibit hair growth and improve skin quality, but their exact effects on hair follicles are complex and not fully understood.

research Pharmacologic Management of Pattern Hair Loss

15 citations , May 2004 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Treat pattern hair loss with finasteride and topical minoxidil.

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

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

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

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

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

research Histological Features of Peripilar Signs Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia

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

Peripilar signs can help diagnose androgenetic alopecia and reveal its cause.

research Ketoconazole as an Adjunct to Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

28 citations , January 2004 in “Medical Hypotheses”

Ketoconazole shampoo with finasteride improves hair density in men with hair loss.

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

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

Hair transplanting is a useful, often overlooked treatment for female pattern hair loss.

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

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

Finasteride improves hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism.

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 Diameter Diversity: A Clinical Sign Reflecting Follicle Miniaturization

41 citations , May 2001 in “PubMed”

Different thicknesses of hair strands can indicate the severity of hair thinning.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women

77 citations , March 2001 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Androgenetic alopecia involves genetics, hormones, and can be treated with medications or surgery.

research The Genetics of Androgenetic Alopecia

50 citations , March 2001 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Genes and hormones cause hair loss, with four genes contributing equally.

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 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”

Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Frontal Male Pattern Hair Loss

187 citations , June 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride effectively treats frontal hair loss with few side effects.

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 Psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia on women: Comparisons with balding men and with female control subjects

222 citations , October 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.

research USE OF TOPICAL MINOXIDIL THERAPY FOR ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA IN WOMEN

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

Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.

research TREATMENT OF FEMALE ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA WITH MINOXIDIL 2%

43 citations , November 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil 2% effectively treats female hair loss, promoting growth and density.

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 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.

6 / 6 results

research Sisaipho Alopecia Areata Treated With Tofacitinib and Oral Minoxidil

1 citations , November 2022 in “JAAD case reports”

Tofacitinib and oral minoxidil may help treat Sisaipho alopecia areata.

research Hair Disorders

August 2018 in “Oxford University Press eBooks”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document cannot be parsed.

research Hair Loss (Alopecia or Baldness)

June 2018

Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.

research Treatments of Hereditary Hair Loss (Alopecia)

April 2018

Some treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and surgery can help with hereditary hair loss.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Overview

14 citations , February 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology”

Female pattern hair loss treatments vary in effectiveness and may have side effects.

research Disorders of Hair

July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine”

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