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Female Pattern Baldness: Causes, Stages & Treatment Options
Dr Mir Malkani
Medically reviewed by
Dr Mir Malkani
Updated on May 17, 2023

Approximately half of all women will experience hair loss by the time they’re 80 [1]. From stress to diet, there are many causes of hair loss in women but the number one cause is female pattern baldness [2].

Both female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness are types of androgenetic alopecia. But while male pattern baldness is much more common, women are also susceptible to genetic hair loss. Find out if you’re at risk for hair loss, why it happens, and what you can do to treat female pattern baldness.

Table of Contents

What is female pattern baldness?

Female pattern baldness is a type of hereditary hair loss affecting women. Unlike male pattern hair loss, which is typically limited to the temples and crown, female pattern baldness usually causes an even spread of thinning hair loss across the scalp. This can result in a widening parting, and eventually a general thinning of hair across the head. Some women notice that the hair becomes so thin they can see their scalp.

This type of hair loss happens when your hair follicles react to your hormones. The exact nature of the relationship between hormones, hair follicles, and genes is still being studied, but experts agree that these are the key determining factors for female pattern baldness [3].

The impact of female pattern baldness

Thick, healthy locks are an inherent part of the classic feminine look. As a result, female pattern baldness can have a serious impact on women’s mental health.

In one study, 52% of women experiencing female hair loss said the condition was very-to-extremely upsetting, reporting anxiety, low self-esteem, and negative body image [9].

Sexual function can also be diminished, with desire, arousal, and satisfaction all being potentially associated with this type of hair loss [10].

Where male pattern baldness is often accepted as a normal part of aging, many women consider female pattern hair loss to be unusual [9]. As a result, they may avoid social situations, windy weather, or other environments that can expose their hair loss. This contributes to a sense of isolation and powerlessness, reducing women’s confidence and general well-being.

Because female pattern hair loss impacts so many areas of women’s lives, it’s essential to address the issue. While the condition is permanent, the effects can be minimised, so affected women may want to seek out effective hair loss prevention treatments.

What causes female pattern baldness?

Most cases of female pattern baldness are thought to be caused by genetics. While the exact genetic coding that leads to this condition is still unclear, research suggests that the aromatase gene, which is responsible for converting various androgens to oestrogen (typically testosterone to estradiol) within the hair follicle, may play a part in female pattern hair loss [4] [5].

Hormones, especially androgens which are responsible for the development of male sex characteristics, also play an unlikely role in female hair loss. Women produce testosterone (albeit in lower quantities than men) which is metabolised to produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair.

Women produce less testosterone and therefore have lower levels of DHT, which may explain why women are less prone to pattern baldness than men. However, there’s no doubt that female hair loss affects a significant number of people. But are some women more at risk than others?

Who is at risk?

All women are susceptible to female pattern baldness, though it’s usually more likely to occur in those with a family history of baldness, and post-menopausal women. This may be due to the reduction in oestrogens that occurs after the menopause; higher levels of oestrogens have been linked to hair retention and growth [6].

There are other factors that can put women at higher risk of developing female pattern hair loss. These include:

  • Smoking [3]
  • Sun exposure [3]
  • UV exposure of more than 16 hours per week [3]
  • Hypothyroidism (i.e. an underactive thyroid) [7]

     

How is female pattern baldness diagnosed?

Trichologists can determine the cause of your hair loss by asking questions about your health and lifestyle along with examining your hair and scalp.

Lifestyle questions will focus on your diet, medical conditions, mental health, and general health. These should alert your trichologist to any underlying conditions that may be causing your hair loss, such as an eating disorder, high stress levels, or autoimmune conditions.

Sometimes hair loss is down to poor hair-washing techniques and a damaging styling routine like perms or hair extensions.

If your trichologist doesn’t identify any underlying conditions or lifestyle factors, they can then examine your scalp for signs of female pattern hair loss.

 

Stages of female pattern baldness

Female pattern baldness tends to progress in a similar way for all women and is usually categorised into 3 distinct stages. This is shown on the Ludwig scale:

Pictures of hair loss according to the Ludwig Scale
Image credit: Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review

 

The stages of female pattern baldness are:

  1. Type I: thinning hair on top of the head, particularly around the parting. This can often be concealed with certain hairstyles.

  2. Type II: the scalp starts to become visible through the hair as hair loss progresses. The parting is noticeably wider than in women who don’t have significant hair loss.

  3. Type III: extensive diffuse hair loss makes the scalp clearly visible. The person may be fully bald in the areas affected by female pattern hair loss (although hair growth may be healthy at the sides and back of the head).

Is female pattern baldness inherited?

Yes. Evidence suggests that a family history of baldness can increase your risk of developing the condition. One study found that almost 85% of people with female pattern hair loss reported a family history of the condition [1].

Celebrities like Kayla Itsines have revealed female pattern baldness runs in her family. Learn more about Kayla’s condition and other female celebrities with hair loss.

Is female pattern hair loss permanent?

Unlike most other types of hair loss, like stress or diet-related hair loss, female pattern baldness is permanent. The condition can’t be reversed as once the follicles have been damaged, they can no longer produce hair.

The permanent nature of this type of hair loss can cause significant distress, with some women reporting relationship and career problems stemming from their hair loss [3].

However, certain treatments can slow or stop female pattern hair loss. Drugs like Minoxidil have been approved to treat hair loss in women.

There’s also evidence to suggest that anti-androgen treatments such as spironolactone, cyproterone, and dutasteride can reduce hair loss in addition to treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypertension, and heart failure [8].

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is one of the most successful hair loss prevention drugs on the market used to stimulate hair growth. This topical solution is applied to the scalp, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. It’s proven to reduce hair loss in people experiencing female pattern baldness [11].

While Minoxidil is a successful solution to hair loss, it’s been known to cause excessive facial and/or body hair growth in women [12]. You may be able to mitigate this by using low-strength (2%) Minoxidil treatments. Be aware of this (and other side effects like Minoxidil-related hair colour changes) when using any hair loss treatment.

Alternative therapies

Also known as LLLT, low-level laser therapy is a hair loss treatment that involves focusing low-level lasers on the scalp. While it’s not known exactly how this treatment can promote hair regrowth, studies show it to be a safe, effective way to reduce the effects of genetic hair loss [13].

Vitamin therapy is another option for those experiencing mild hair loss. Vitamins are vital for strong, healthy hair, and supplements are proven to promote hair growth [14].

When vitamins are administered through an IV drip, the body can absorb up to 100% — creating healthier hair.

Hair transplants

If your hair loss has advanced beyond type 1 on the Ludwig scale, a female hair transplant may be the best hair restoration option.

Modern hair transplant methods are safe, successful, and give you natural-looking results. FUE transplant surgery is an excellent option for women, since it leaves virtually no scarring, and has a faster recovery time than FUT. 

More than 12% of hair transplants worldwide are performed on women, so if you’re suffering from female pattern baldness, this is an excellent way to restore your lost hair [15].

hair-transplant-before-22hair-transplant-after-22
Before and after — female hair transplant

Hair transplants are often recommended in conjunction with hair loss prevention treatments. A trichologist will be able to help you find the right course of treatment to tackle your hair loss and help give you thicker hair.

What to do if you’re worried about female pattern baldness

If you think you might be experiencing female pattern hair loss, the first step is to get a diagnosis.

There are many reasons for female hair thinning, as well as temporary and/or reversible hair loss in women, so it’s important to find out what’s actually causing you to lose hair.

Book a consultation with a qualified trichologist to get a free hair and scalp exam and determine the cause of your hair loss.

Your trichologist can then help you establish a treatment plan that involves minimising your hair loss, and, if necessary, booking a hair transplant procedure to restore your hair giving you natural, healthy tresses. Learn more about hair transplants for women.

Female Pattern Baldness: Causes, Stages & Treatment Options, Wimpole Clinic

Dr Mir Malkani
Medically reviewed by Dr Mir MalkaniUpdated on May 17, 2023
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
Dr Mir Malkani
Medically reviewed by
Dr Mir Malkani
Updated on May 17, 2023

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