Androgenetic Alopecia (Female)
Female pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in women
Women usually begin to lose their hair by going diffusely thin on the vertex (the top of the scalp) and rarely go completely bald
Treatment is with medications which inhibit DGT or work against the androgen process and can include topical or oral minoxidil and the birth control pill
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can be effective as part of an overall treatment plan
What causes Androgenetic Alopecia? (Female)
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by levels of androgens (male hormones), that are present in small amounts in women. Androgenetic alopecia causes the follicles to become sensitive to the androgens that already exist within your body. Within the follicles are androgen receptors and the androgens tell the androgen receptors to produce less hair. The follicles contain the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase and when the hormone (normally testosterone) binds to the androgen receptor, it triggers 5-alpha reductase subsequently converting the testosterone into DHT. It is the DHT which damages the hair production.
Growing cycles are thereby shortened and the hair becomes thinner and finer. The result is diffuse thinning on all areas of the scalp. Hormone changes in women, such as pregnancy, the use of high androgen index birth control pills, ovarian cysts, an overactive thyroid, a genetic hormonal response to an autoimmune condition and menopause can trigger female pattern baldness, this common form of hair loss in women.
What are the symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia? (Female)
Unlike men, women usually begin to lose their hair by going diffusely thin on the vertex (the top of the scalp). Sometimes, temporal recession is also seen (loss of hair at the corners of the frontal hair line). Women rarely tend to go completely bald.
There are a few hair conditions that can result in generalised thinning of hair on the top of the scalp. It is therefore extremely important that the correct diagnosis is made before embarking on treatment for hair loss in women.
Images of Androgenetic Alopecia (Female)
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How does a Dermatologist diagnose Androgenetic Alopecia (Female)?
A Dermatologist diagnoses female pattern baldness through examining the scalp, a hair pull test and by taking a medical history. In some cases they may recommend bloods tests or a scalp biopsy in order to rule out underlying health issues or other forms of hair loss.
How do you treat Androgenetic Alopecia? (Female)
Products which inhibit DHT or work against the androgen process, are considered the best treatments for hair loss. Though since the cause of the hair loss could be a multitude of things, our doctors may recommend growth stimulants before subscribing the DHT Inhibitors or Anti Androgens. In many cases, both methods are applied.