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What is female pattern hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss is a common type of hair loss that affects nearly all women at some point. Although it can start any time after puberty, most women experience pattern hair loss as a general thinning around the hair's part line at the onset of menopause. Hair may continue to shed with age, but the appearance of bald patches is rare.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of female pattern hair loss?

As the name suggests, female pattern hair loss occurs in a particular pattern. It usually starts on the top of the scalp and progresses as a gradual widening of the center hair part. Apart from a natural receding that affects everyone with …

Is female pattern hair loss related to male pattern baldness?

Yes, in both men and women, pattern hair loss is thought to be influenced by both genes and androgen hormones. Although the androgens are often associated with male development, they also play an important role in several other …

What causes female pattern hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss is influenced by genes and androgen hormones. Androgens have a direct effect on individual hairs by interacting with receptors on each follicle. Although women with pattern hair loss don't show increased androgen levels in the …

How is female pattern hair loss diagnosed?

Your doctor will most likely diagnose pattern baldness by looking at your scalp and asking questions about your family history and rate of hair loss. A blood test may also be done to confirm or rule out an underlying medical condition, such as an …

How is female pattern hair loss treated?

Treatment options for female pattern hair loss include camouflage techniques, medications and hair transplant surgery. However, in most cases hair loss is permanent. Medications tend to slow the progress of hair loss, rather than produce new hair …

Can female pattern hair loss be prevented?

As female pattern hair loss is largely caused by genes and hormones, it's generally considered to be a natural process that can't be prevented. However, eating a balanced diet containing healthy levels of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid may help …

What is the outlook for female pattern hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss is usually permanent, but it doesn't cause any other physical symptoms or health problems. Treatment results vary from person to person, depending on the option chosen and amount of hair remaining. Generally though, …

Is hair transplant surgery a suitable treatment for female pattern hair loss?

In the past, hair transplant surgery was largely considered to be a treatment for male pattern baldness. However, the procedure is now becoming more widespread among women. During the procedure, a surgeon removes …

Are there any complications associated with female pattern hair loss?

As hair loss affects the appearance, widespread or early thinning may lead to psychological issues, such as embarrassment or depression. It is worth noting that female pattern hair loss is also a symptom of polycystic …

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About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 83 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Alopecia (hair loss)

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