Hair Loss in Women
October 2007
in “The New England Journal of Medicine”
TLDR Over one-third of women experience hair loss, with female-pattern hair loss being most common, and treatments include minoxidil and possibly hair transplantation.
The 2007 document outlines that hair loss in women is a prevalent issue, affecting over one-third of women at some point. It categorizes hair loss into scarring and nonscarring types, with female-pattern hair loss being the most common nonscarring form, potentially linked to androgens. Other causes include telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, with iron deficiency also associated with hair loss. Diagnosis involves a thorough history and examination, with laboratory tests for ferritin and thyrotropin levels to exclude iron deficiency and thyroid issues. Management strategies for female-pattern hair loss include topical minoxidil, which has shown varying degrees of effectiveness, and hair transplantation, although antiandrogen therapies are not widely used in North America. The document stresses the importance of a careful diagnostic process and sets realistic expectations for treatment outcomes, recommending topical 5% minoxidil and considering hair transplantation if minoxidil is ineffective after one year.
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