Management of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

October 2015

Bianca Maria Piraccini, Aurora Alessandrini

female androgenetic alopecia AGA telogen effluvium hair miniaturization hyperandrogenism acne hirsutism irregular menses virilisation androgen polycystic ovary syndrome female pattern hair loss PCOS

TLDR Proper medical treatments can control and even reverse female pattern hair loss, but it's important to check for related conditions like excessive male hormone production, especially in severe cases.

Female androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of alopecia in women, affects up to 50% of women in their lifetime. Medical treatments, when used correctly, can halt the progression of AGA and reverse hair miniaturization in most cases. Telogen effluvium may be associated with AGA and could potentially trigger or worsen the condition. Comparing hair density in different regions of the scalp can help differentiate mild AGA from diffuse hair loss. In premenopausal women, AGA could indicate hyperandrogenism, which may also present with acne, hirsutism, irregular menses, and signs of virilisation. It's crucial to rule out disorders linked to excessive androgen production, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, in patients with severe AGA, as it was found in about 30% of women with AGA.

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The conversation discusses androgenic alopecia (AGA) and its treatments, focusing on finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo. Finasteride is recommended as essential for preventing further hair loss.

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