Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Is your hair partition widening? Have you noticed that your ponytail is thinner than before? Do you wake up in the morning with hair strands on your pillow? This could indicate an underlying cause, and you may be suffering from female pattern hair loss! This is most commonly seen among women in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this is a progressive condition since you may continue to lose hair. Possible causes include genetic factors, certain health conditions and medications, and harmful hairstyles. The condition is reversible with treatment, often including medications, light therapy, or styling techniques. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss. 

Read on to learn about female pattern hair loss, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment modalities. 

What is Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Female pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a progressive condition commonly affecting women post their menopause phase. This causes significant loss of hair on the skin covering your scalp, resulting in general hair thinning and reduced hair volume. The hair follicles begin to shrink, and your hair may gradually become short and thin. Over time, the affected hair stops growing. 

According to several research studies, five stages of female pattern hair loss are based on the Sinclair scale. These include:

Stage 1: There is little or no hair loss.

Stage 2: A slight gap in the center hair part characterizes this stage.

Stage 3: The gap in the center hair part widens with hair loss on either side of the part line.

Stage 4: Bald spots towards the front of your hairline characterize this stage.

Stage 5: There is advanced hair loss with multiple scattered areas of baldness.

How is Female Pattern Hair Loss Caused?

Several factors can cause and contribute to female pattern hair loss, including:

Age 

• As you age, your hair follicles may weaken and become more susceptible to damage.
• After menopause, about 2/3rds of all women have thinning hair or total hair loss. 

Genetics 

• You may develop hair thinning or loss if your parents, siblings, or an immediate family member suffers from it.

Hormonal Fluctuations 

• Post menopause, your hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels may drop. DHT is a type of androgen that helps you during puberty and mature physically. 

Medications

• Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Illness

• Hair loss can develop after any illness, like severe infection, high fever, or surgery.

Autoimmune Conditions 

• Your immune system may mistakenly attack healthy hair follicles, resulting in hair loss, as seen in alopecia areata.

Traction Alopecia

• Frequent hairstyles that pull your hair too tight can cause hair loss in women. 

What Are the Hallmark Symptoms of Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Although symptoms may differ for each woman, here is a list of common symptoms of female pattern hair loss. 

• Hair usually thins on the top and crown of the scalp. It usually begins as a widening of the center part line (Christmas Tree Pattern)
• There is no significant change in the front hairline except for normal recession.
• Unlike in male pattern hair loss, there is no total baldness during female pattern hair loss.
• Hair loss can result in psychological effects like stress, anxiety, and depression. 
• Unaesthetic hair loss can lead to low self-esteem and social withdrawal. 

How is Female Pattern Hair Loss Diagnosed?

It is easy to identify female pattern hair loss, which can be confirmed by your dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) by:

• Recording your medical and family history
• Evaluating your symptoms
• Clinically examining your scalp and areas of hair loss
• Conducting diagnostic tests using a densitometer, which measures the thickness of your hair follicles 
• Analyzing your hair sample in the laboratory
• Taking a scalp biopsy to rule out skin diseases 

How is Female Pattern Hair Loss Treated?

Treatment for female pattern hair loss may usually depend on the stage and severity of the symptoms. Seeking medical care at the first sign of hair loss can provide optimal results. Hair loss treatments include:

Medications

• Over-the-counter minoxidil and prescription drugs like finasteride can help reduce hair loss.
• Anti-androgens also help balance the androgen levels in your body and manage hair loss.
• Iron supplements are helpful for women with hair loss due to iron deficiency.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy 

• PRP is obtained from your blood sample that consists of essential growth factors. 
• When injected into the affected areas, PRP can stimulate your hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.

Red Light Therapy

• A low-wavelength red light is targeted on the affected areas in your scalp to stimulate hair follicles.

Hair Transplant

• Your doctor may obtain skin grafts from areas with healthy hair follicles and transplant them in deficient areas. 

Styling Techniques 

• Styling wigs or hair weaves can hide the areas affected by hair loss. 

How Can Female Pattern Hair Loss Be Prevented?

There is no definite way to prevent female pattern hair loss, especially if it is genetically linked. But there are a few ways to help you keep your hair healthy and promote growth. These include:

A Healthy Diet

• Consume a well-balanced, healthy diet that must include fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. 
• Include proteins in your diet through lean meat and eggs.
• Ensure you have vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and iron to maintain healthy hair.

Follow Proper Haircare Routine

• Nourish your hair by oiling it regularly.
• Avoid harmful chemicals and heat treatments.

Avoid Certain Hairstyles

• Avoid pulling your hair through tight ponytails, buns, and braids.
• Avoid using hair extensions frequently.

Manage Stress

• Find ways to relax yourself and manage stress through Yoga, meditation, or finding a new hobby.

Final Thought

Female-pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition affecting many women after menopause. It can cause hair thinning, widening of the part line, or even progressive hair loss. This can negatively impact your mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Reach out to your dermatologist as soon as you notice signs of hair loss. Medications and treatments available can stop or reverse female-pattern hair loss.