What Is Female Pattern Baldness? Know Its Possible Treatment Options

Hair loss in men and women is a natural process. The average hair loss for women or men is almost 100 hair grafts daily. If this limit is exceeded, hair thinning problems result in female pattern baldness. Known medically as androgenetic alopecia, female pattern baldness affects a considerable number of women globally but is not talked about as male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is more identifiable, frequently causing a receding hairline and balding at the crown. The top and crown of the scalp are where hair thins the most. Usually, it begins with the hair in the middle spreading in case of female pattern baldness.

The causes of female pattern baldness are among the most frequently asked questions. Hair loss treatment for women helps restore hair growth and treat female baldness. It usually entails a diffuse thinning of hair throughout the scalp, which can be incredibly upsetting for women because it impacts their confidence. 

Despite being common, female pattern baldness is a complicated topic in the field of dermatology and women's health since it poses particular difficulties for diagnosis, available treatments, and social stigma. Addressing the issues and promoting the well-being of females impacted by female pattern baldness, read ahead to understand what exactly it is and what treatment options are available for it.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Female Pattern Baldness?

2. What Is The Female Pattern Baldness Treatment Option Available?

3. Dietitian's Recommendation

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

What Is Female Pattern Baldness?

Women who have hair loss may develop female pattern baldness (alopecia), also known as androgenetic alopecia. A form of hair loss known as female pattern baldness affects both women and people assigned to the female gender at birth. It causes hair loss on the skin covering your head (scalp); the top and crown of the scalp are where hair thins most in female pattern baldness. Your hair might not grow back without treatment or taking supplements in the initial stage. It most often appears after menopause, although it can start earlier. It is a reversible treatment that involves medication, light therapy or styling techniques.

Androgenetic alopecia, another name for female pattern baldness, begins slowly with hair thinning that usually affects the scalp. This condition is often followed by increased hair loss radiating from the scalp. Female pattern baldness is caused by a family history of baldness (from both parents), ageing, and hormones. It is not due to vitamin deficiency, poor circulation, dandruff, or wearing hats. The hair follicles gradually shrink until they produce only fine, matted hair or stop producing hair altogether.

Grade I: Noticeable thinning of hair on the crown, starting 1–3 cm behind the front hairline.

Grade II: Significant thinning of hair on the crown, more severe than Grade I. 

Grade III: Complete baldness in the area described in Grades I and II.

Also Read- 6 Types Of Hair Loss In Men And Women

What is the Female pattern baldness treatment option available?

There are many hair loss treatments for female pattern baldness, which may include-

1. Medications

Over-the-counter medications you apply to the scalp, such as minoxidil, are usually the first treatment for female pattern baldness. An oral prescription drug such as finasteride can also treat female pattern baldness. Your healthcare provider may recommend using finasteride along with ketoconazole 2% shampoo.

2. Hair Transplant

During a hair transplant, a medical professional removes skin grafts from parts of your body where healthy hair follicles are present and moves them to bald or thinning areas of the scalp.

3. Platelet-Rich Plasma

This method stimulates hair follicles and encourages hair growth by utilising a patient's own blood plasma that has been enhanced with platelets containing growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is thought to increase hair density and thickness, which may reduce hair loss and improve the general health of the hair.

4. Red Light Therapy

Your healthcare provider treats the scalp with low-wavelength red light to promote hair growth. This stimulates the hair follicles and generates hair regrowth. 

5. Styling Techniques

This is a temporary resolution that allows you to hide your female pattern baldness with certain hairstyles, wigs, or hair weaves.

A treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Your healthcare provider can help you in finding the right treatment option.

Also Read- What Is Male Pattern Baldness? Prevention Tips And Possible Treatments

Dietitian's Recommendation

Female pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common form of hair loss. In females, hair loss usually involves general thinning, particularly around the crown. 

Female-pattern hair loss is mainly genetic, but there are things people can do to help slow or prevent it. Several treatments, including medications and laser therapy, can provide results but take time to work. You can include black seed oil capsules in your routine, which naturally promote hair growth, improve scalp health, and give you moisturised and conditioned hair, minimising the impact of female pattern baldness.

                                                                                           Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Female pattern baldness is a common condition that affects many women. Many people with female pattern baldness accept it as part of the ageing process and do not see a healthcare provider. However, it can affect your mental health adversely. See your healthcare provider as soon as you notice signs of female pattern baldness, especially if loss of hair or female pattern baldness is causing you stress, anxiety, or depression. There are medications and treatments available that can stop or reverse female pattern baldness.