Hair Loss in Women: A Study at Sheffield Royal Infirmary (1959-1966)
October 1967
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
frontal recession central thinning diffuse thinning vertex skullcap alopecia patterned baldness hypothyroidism diffuse alopecia endocrine abnormalities post-partum post-febrile scalp conditions systemic diseases drug use frontal hairline recession vertex thinning diffuse hair thinning hormonal imbalances childbirth-related hair loss fever-related hair loss scalp disorders medication-induced hair loss
TLDR Hair loss in women often doesn't follow a pattern, isn't linked to age, may be genetic, and can be related to thyroid issues or other health factors.
Between 1959 and 1966, a study at the Sheffield Royal Infirmary involving 150 women out of an initial 227 with hair loss complaints identified three patterns of hair loss: frontal recession with central thinning, diffuse thinning over the vertex, and "skullcap alopecia." Unlike men, women's patterned baldness was less common and did not increase with age. A genetic link was suggested due to the familial tendency observed in both genders. The study highlighted a significant correlation between hypothyroidism and diffuse alopecia, with 25% of hair loss cases linked to endocrine abnormalities and 45% having no discernible cause. Other factors contributing to hair loss included post-partum and post-febrile states, scalp conditions, systemic diseases, and drug use.
