An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

August 2013 in “ Expert Review of Dermatology ”

Thamer Mubki, Omar Shamsaldeen, Kevin J. McElwee, Jerry Shapiro

female pattern hair loss FPHL topical minoxidil oral antiandrogens hair transplantation prostaglandin analogues antiandrogen agents finasteride low-level light therapy LLLT Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Updated treatments for female hair loss include minoxidil, antiandrogens, hair transplants, and light therapy.

This document from 2013 provides an update on the diagnosis and treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). FPHL is the most common cause of hair loss in women, and diagnosis is usually made clinically. Treatment options include topical minoxidil, oral antiandrogens, and hair transplantation. The article discusses various treatments for FPHL, including prostaglandin analogues, antiandrogen agents, and finasteride. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has shown promising results in stimulating hair growth, but more studies are needed. Overall, more research is needed to determine the most effective and safe treatments for FPHL.

View this study on tandfonline.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

35 / 35 results

research Health Status, Coping Strategies, and Alexithymia in Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , February 2013 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

People with hair loss feel more depressed and anxious, especially women, and need help managing emotions and beliefs about their condition.

research Examining the Relationship Between Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, and Emotional Intelligence

19 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Alopecia patients struggle with emotions and stress, and improving emotional intelligence may help manage hair loss.

research Hair Transplantation Update

26 citations , January 2013 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

The document details hair transplantation techniques and innovations, highlighting Follicular Unit Transplantation as the standard and discussing the effectiveness and challenges of the procedure.

research Challenges in Diagnosing Female Pattern Hair Loss

5 citations , June 2012 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Female pattern hair loss diagnosis is challenging and should use dermoscopy and histopathology instead of pattern recognition, as hormones may not always be the cause.

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 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 Assessment of Hair Density and Caliber in Caucasian and Asian Female Subjects with Female Pattern Hair Loss Using the Folliscope

24 citations , January 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Caucasian hair is denser, but Asian hair is thicker in female pattern hair loss patients.

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 An Overview of Female Pattern Hair Loss

2 citations , June 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”

Female pattern hair loss involves thinning hair on crown and frontal scalp, diagnosed by hair ratio, and treated with minoxidil, antiandrogens, or hair transplantation.

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 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 Trichoscopy for Common Hair Loss Diseases: Algorithmic Method for Diagnosis

89 citations , December 2010 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

The conclusion is that an algorithm using trichoscopy helps diagnose different types of hair loss but may need updates and a biopsy if results are unclear.

research Types of Hair Loss and Treatment Options, Including the Novel Low-Level Light Therapy and Its Proposed Mechanism

46 citations , September 2010 in “Southern Medical Journal”

Hair loss treatments include medications and new methods like low-level light therapy, which may work by boosting cell activity and blood flow.

research Automated Digital Image Analysis (TrichoScan) for Human Hair Growth Analysis: Ease Versus Errors

21 citations , January 2010 in “International Journal of Trichology”

TrichoScan often makes mistakes and needs improvement for correct hair growth analysis.

research Hair Follicle Neogenesis Induced by Cultured Human Scalp Dermal Papilla Cells

63 citations , September 2009 in “Regenerative Medicine”

Scientists found a way to grow human hair cells in a lab that can create new hair when transplanted.

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 Evaluation of Androgen Receptor Gene as a Candidate Gene in Female Androgenetic Alopecia

23 citations , June 2009 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

AR gene not major factor in female hair loss; different from male hair loss.

research Use of the TrichoScan to Assess Female Pattern Hair Loss

30 citations , April 2009 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

TrichoScan helps identify subtle hair thinning in women with androgenetic alopecia.

research Hair Loss in Women: Comprehensive Overview and Treatment Options

81 citations , March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.

research The Use of Low-Level Light for Hair Growth: Part I

90 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy”

Low-level laser therapy might help hair growth, but more research is needed.

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 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 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 Hair Loss in Women

129 citations , October 2007 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Over one-third of women experience hair loss, with female-pattern hair loss being most common, and treatments include minoxidil and possibly hair transplantation.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Clinical Features, Classification, and Treatments

103 citations , June 2007 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America”

Male pattern hair loss is genetic and influenced by hormones, with treatments like minoxidil and surgery available.

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 Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Early diagnosis and treatment, using finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation, improves hair loss outcomes.

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 Cultured Peribulbar Dermal Sheath Cells Can Induce Hair Follicle Development and Contribute to the Dermal Sheath and Dermal Papilla

208 citations , December 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Certain cells from hair follicles can create new hair and contribute to hair growth when implanted in mice.

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 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 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 Differences in the Mechanisms of Androgen Action in Hair Follicles from Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

2 citations , March 2000 in “CRC Press eBooks”

research Androgen Receptor Polymorphisms (CAG Repeat Lengths) in Androgenetic Alopecia, Hirsutism, and Acne

186 citations , July 1998 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Shorter CAG repeats may cause hair and skin issues, while longer ones may link to acne.

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.

16 / 16 results

research Understanding Causes of Hair Loss in Women

4 citations , July 2021 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

The conclusion is that hair loss in women is caused by a mix of hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors, and treatments should target these various causes.

research Hair Transplantation in Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2021 in “Cosmoderma”

research Skin Care Physicians' Insight on Epidemiological Patterns, Diagnosis, and Treatment Modalities for Female Pattern Hair Loss

December 2020 in “International Journal of Research in Dermatology”

research Hair Loss and Hair Restoration in Women

4 citations , May 2020 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Hair loss in women is complex to diagnose and treat, and hair restoration should be done by experts. Using minoxidil before surgery can help manage post-surgery hair shock loss. The Follicular Unit Transplantation method is recommended for women due to its speed, no need for shaving, and better graft quality. Strategies like L, T, and reverse L patterns can help restore central hair density, and regenerative methods can improve graft survival in hair transplants.

research Analysis of Female Pattern Hair Loss

April 2019 in “Journal of emerging technologies and innovative research”

Early treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss is important to stop it from getting worse, and various treatments can help, especially in mild to moderate cases.

research Current and Emerging Treatment Strategies for Hair Loss in Women of Color

15 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

Early treatment helps stop hair loss in women of color.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss with Combination Therapy

2 citations , December 2018 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

research Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Male-Pattern and Female-Pattern Hair Loss, 2017 Version

36 citations , June 2018 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Use finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil for hair loss treatment.

research Hair Disorders, Treatment and Care: An Overview

November 2015

Effective treatments and proper care can manage hair disorders.

research Managing Female Pattern Hair Loss: What Works?

May 2014 in “Dermatology Times”

research The Use of Low-Level Light Therapy in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss

21 citations , April 2014 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Low-level light therapy may help hair regrowth, but more research is needed.

research Hair Restoration Approaches for Early Onset Male Androgenetic Alopecia

2 citations , September 2013 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Hair restoration combines drugs and follicular unit grafting for natural, long-lasting results.

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 Female Hair Restoration

12 citations , August 2013 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Hair transplantation is the only permanent solution for female pattern hair loss and can greatly improve quality of life with careful planning.

research Nonsurgical Therapy for Hair Loss

14 citations , August 2013 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Some nonsurgical hair loss treatments are effective, especially if started early.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss and Its Therapy

May 2012 in “International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology”