Female pattern baldness, a prevalent hair loss issue affecting women, typically begins after menopause and can be managed with medications, red light therapy, or styling techniques.

What is female-pattern baldness?

Female-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common form of hair loss in women, causing diffuse thinning across the scalp. It is primarily caused by hereditary hair loss with age. Some individuals let their hair loss go untreated, while others cover it with hairstyles, makeup, hats, or scarves. This condition significantly impacts women’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. Seeking advice from a health care expert can help determine the cause and explore potential treatment options.

Stages of female-pattern baldness:

Female-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, progresses through stages, often categorized using the Ludwig or Savin Scale, which visually represents the extent and severity of hair loss in women.

• Ludwig scale:

• Minimal thinning or widening of the part.
• The frontal hairline is usually maintained.

• Ludwig stage I:

• The scalp is exhibiting noticeable widening, with hair loss being more noticeable but concentrated on the top of the scalp.

• Ludwig stage II:

• Noticeable widening of the part.
• The hair loss is more apparent but remains concentrated on the top of the scalp.

• Ludwig stage III:

• Significant hair thinning and widening of the part.
• The frontal hairline may still be maintained, but the overall density decreases.

Savin scale:

• Savin stage I:

• No significant hair loss or minimal thinning.
• The hairline is usually maintained.

• Savin stage II:

• Noticeable widening of the part.
• Thinning becomes more apparent, especially on the crown.

• Savin stage III:

• Further progression of hair thinning.
• Visible scalp through the hair, particularly on the crown.

• Savin stage IV:

• Significant hair loss with extensive thinning.
• The frontal hairline may recede, and the crown area becomes more obvious.

• Savin stage V:

• Advanced hair loss with prominent scalp visibility.
• Frontal and crown areas are significantly affected.

• Savin stage VI:
• Severe hair loss, with only a narrow band of hair remaining along the sides and back.
• The hairline and crown areas are extensively affected.

Female-pattern baldness is a chronic and progressive condition, with stages varying among women. Not all progress through all stages, and some may experience milder thinning. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. Early intervention can help manage hair loss and provide guidance on suitable treatment options based on individual needs.

Causes of female-pattern baldness:

• Genetic factors:

• Female-pattern baldness often has a hereditary component.
• If other women in your family, such as your mother, grandmother, or sisters, have experienced this hair loss, you may be more predisposed to it.

• Hormonal factors:

• Androgens, including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a role in female pattern baldness.
• Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during menopause or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can contribute to hair loss.

• Age:

• The risk of female-pattern baldness increases with age, with postmenopausal women being more susceptible.

• Medical conditions:

• Different medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, can cause hair loss.

• Medications:

• Some medications, including those for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure, may contribute to hair thinning.

• Stress:

• While the direct link between stress and female-pattern baldness is not fully understood, chronic stress can contribute to hair loss or exacerbate existing conditions.

Symptoms of female-pattern baldness:

• Gradual thinning:

• Hair loss in female-pattern baldness occurs gradually over time.
• Women may notice a reduction in hair thickness and volume.

• Widening part:

• As the hair thins, the part in the hair may appear wider than usual.

• Miniaturized hair:

• Affected hair follicles produce shorter, finer, and lighter-coloured hair, known as miniaturized hair.

• Thinning at the crown:

• Thinning is often concentrated at the crown of the head, leading to a visible decrease in hair density in that area.

• Preservation of frontal hairline:

• Unlike male-pattern baldness, the frontal hairline usually remains intact in female-pattern baldness.

• Increased shedding:

• Women with androgenetic alopecia may notice increased hair shedding during washing or brushing.

• Scalp visibility:

• The scalp may become more visible through the hair due to the thinning.

Female-pattern baldness symptoms and progression vary among individuals. Early intervention can help manage and slow down the progression of hair loss.

• Symmetry:

• Female-pattern baldness tends to affect the entire top of the scalp rather than one specific area.
• The pattern is often symmetrical.

• The normal hairline at temples:

• The hairline at the temples typically remains unaffected, distinguishing female-pattern baldness from some other forms of hair loss.

The diagnostic process for female-pattern baldness typically involves the following steps:

• Medical history:

• Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical history, including any family history of hair loss, hormonal changes, medications you are taking, and any underlying health conditions.

• Physical examination:

• A visual examination of your scalp and hair will be conducted to assess the pattern and severity of hair loss.
• The healthcare professional will look for signs such as widening the part, thinning hair, and miniaturized hair follicles.

• Scalp examination:

• Your scalp will be examined to check for any signs of inflammation, scaling, or other scalp conditions that could contribute to hair loss.

• Pull test:

• A pull test may be performed, where the healthcare provider gently pulls on several hairs to assess the degree of hair shedding.
• Increased shedding may be indicative of certain types of hair loss.

• Scalp biopsy:

• In some cases, a scalp biopsy may be recommended.
• A microscopic examination of a small sample of scalp tissue is performed to determine if hair follicles are healthy and if any underlying conditions exist.

• Blood test:

• Blood tests may be ordered to check for hormonal imbalances, thyroid function, and other factors that could contribute to hair loss.

• Phototrichogram:

• Utilizing specialized equipment, hair density can be measured quantitatively without harming the hair follicles.

• Trichoscopy:

• Trichoscopy involves using a handheld dermoscope to magnify the scalp and hair.
• This can help in assessing the health of hair follicles and identifying specific patterns of hair loss.

Female-pattern baldness is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes of hair loss must be ruled out. Open discussions with your healthcare provider are crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include:

• Topical medications.
• Oral medications.
• Low-level laser therapy.
• Baldness can also be managed or slowed down with other interventions.

Common non surgical treatment options for female-pattern baldness include:

• Low-level laser therapy(LLLT):

• Low-level lasers or LED emitting devices can potentially stimulate hair growth. 

• platelet-rich plasma(PRP)therapy:

• The procedure involves injecting a specific amount of the patient’s platelets into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

• Hormone replacement therapy(HRT):

• For postmenopausal women:
  • Hormone replacement therapy may be considered for postmenopausal women to address hormonal imbalances contributing to hair loss.
  • This approach requires careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits.

• Hair care practices:

• Gentle hair care: 
  • Avoid aggressive styling and hair treatments that can cause stress on hair and lead to breakage.
• Hairstyles: 
  • Hairstyles that enhance volume and camouflage thinning areas can enhance the overall appearance of the hair.

• Counselling and support:

• Hair loss can have a significant impact on emotional well-being.
• Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or counselling services may be beneficial.

Lifestyle and styling considerations:

• Gentle hair care practices to minimize stress on the hair.
• Hairstyles that provide volume and camouflage thinning areas.
• Avoidance of tight hairstyles that may pull on the hair and worsen hair loss.

Female-pattern baldness severity varies among individuals, with some experiencing mild thinning and others experiencing significant hair loss over the years. The progression can be gradual. If you suspect baldness, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

At HairSure, we are dedicated to a policy of offering patients unmatched services. At HairSure Advanced Hair Transplant Clinic, all of your hair-related worries can be expertly resolved, and you can rest assured that your smiles won’t flinch again. Enter HairSure and exit with the desired appearance.

We can assist in determining the precise reason for hair loss and offer suitable treatment solutions that are suited to the requirements of the individual. Always consult a medical expert when you have questions about your health.

Call 040 42020202 / 9494020202 or email us at hairsure123@gmail.com to book your consultation. Visit our website, Hair Transplant Clinic, to know more.