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Female pattern baldness involves a typical pattern of hair loss in women, due to hormones, aging, and genes.
Alternative NamesAlopecia in women; Baldness - female; Hair loss in women; Androgenetic alopecia in women
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA hair grows from its follicle at an average rate of about 1/2 inch per month. Each hair grows for 2 to 6 years, then rests, and then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any time, about 85% of the hair is growing and 15% is resting.
Baldness occurs when hair falls out and normal new hair does not grow in its place. The reason why new hair does not grow in female pattern baldness is not well understood, but it may be related to:
- Aging
- Changes in the levels of androgens (male hormones). For example, after reaching menopause, many women find that the hair on their head is thinner, while the hair on their face is coarser.
- Family history of male or female pattern baldness
Hair loss can occur in women for reasons other than female pattern baldness, including the following:
- Breaking of hair (from treatments and twisting or pulling of hair, or hair shaft abnormalities that are present from birth)
- Certain skin diseases that lead to scarring of the hair follicles
- Hormonal abnormalities, such as too much testosterone, or too much or too little thyroid hormone
- Iron deficiency
- Medications such as chemotherapy and beta blockers
- Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
- Syphilis
- Temporary shedding of hair (telogen effluvium) after a major illness, surgery, or pregnancy
- Vitamin deficiency (such as biotin)
Hair thinning is different from that of male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness:
- Hair thins mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. It usually starts with a widening through the center hair part.
- The front hairline remains
- The hair loss rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as it may in men
Itching or skin sores on the scalp are generally NOT seen.
Signs and testsFemale pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on:
- Ruling out other causes of hair loss
- The appearance and pattern of hair loss
- Your medical history
The doctor will examine you for other signs of too much male hormone (androgen), such as:
- Abnormal new hair growth, such as on the face or between the belly button and pubic area.
- Changes in menstrual periods and enlargement of the clitoris
- New acne
A skin biopsy or other procedures or blood tests may be used to diagnose skin disorders that cause hair loss.
Analyzing the hair itself does not accurately diagnose nutritional or similar causes of hair loss, although it may reveal substances such as arsenic or lead.
TreatmentThe hair loss in female pattern baldness is permanent, if not treated. In most cases, hair loss is mild to moderate. You do not need treatment if you are comfortable with your appearance.
The only drug or medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil, used on the scalp.
- For women, the 2% concentration is recommended.
- Minoxidil may help hair grow in 20% to 25% of women. In most women it may slow or stop hair loss.
- Treatment is expensive, because you must continue to use the medication. Hair loss starts again when you stop using minoxidil.
In women who do not respond to minoxidil, oral spironolactone may be added.
- Spironolactone may help women whose hair loss is caused by too much male hormones (androgens). This drug is not FDA-approved for female baldness.
- It can cause increased potassium levels in the blood, and cannot be used in people with kidney failure or who are pregnant.
Hair transplants remove tiny plugs of hair from areas where hair is thicker, and place them in areas that are balding. This can cause minor scarring where the hair is removed, and carries a slight risk for skin infection. Many transplantation sessions are usually needed, which can be expensive. However, the results are often excellent and permanent.
The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.
Stitching (suturing) hair pieces to the scalp is not recommended. It can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp.
Hair weaving, hairpieces, or a change in hairstyle may disguise hair loss and improve your appearance. This is often the least expensive and safest way to deal with female pattern baldness.
Expectations (prognosis)Female pattern baldness usually does not mean that a woman has a medical disorder. However, for many women, it may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety. The hair loss is usually permanent.
ComplicationsComplications are psychological stress and a loss of self-esteem due to change in appearance.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you experience hair loss and it continues, especially if you also have itching, skin irritation, or other symptoms. There might be a treatable medical cause for the hair loss.
PreventionThere is no known prevention for female pattern baldness.
ReferencesHabif TP. Hair diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 24.
Mousney AL, Reed SW. Diagnosis and treating hair loss. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80:356-362.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoFemale pattern baldness involves a typical pattern of hair loss in women, due to hormones, aging, and genes.
Alternative NamesAlopecia in women; Baldness - female; Hair loss in women; Androgenetic alopecia in women
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA hair grows from its follicle at an average rate of about 1/2 inch per month. Each hair grows for 2 to 6 years, then rests, and then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place.
Baldness occurs when hair falls out and normal new hair does not grow in its place. The reason for female pattern baldness is not well understood, but it may be related to:
- Aging
- Changes in the levels of androgens (male hormones). For example, after reaching menopause, many women find that the hair on their head is thinner, while the hair on their face is coarser.
- Family history of male or female pattern baldness
Hair loss can occur in women for reasons other than female pattern baldness, including the following:
- Breaking of hair (from treatments and twisting or pulling of hair, or hair shaft abnormalities that are present from birth)
- Certain skin diseases that lead to scarring of the hair follicles
- Certain autoimmune diseases
- Hormone problems, such as too much testosterone, or too much or too little thyroid hormone
- Too little iron
- Too little vitamin B (biotin) or other vitamin deficiency
- Medications such as chemotherapy and beta blockers
- Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
- Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection
- Temporary shedding of hair after a major illness, surgery, or pregnancy
Hair thinning is different from that of male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness:
- Hair thins mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. It usually starts with a widening through the center hair part.
- The front hairline remains
- The hair loss rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as it may in men
Itching or skin sores on the scalp are generally NOT seen.
Signs and testsFemale pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on:
- Ruling out other causes of hair loss
- The appearance and pattern of hair loss
- Your medical history
The doctor will examine you for other signs of too much male hormone (androgen), such as:
- Abnormal new hair growth, such as on the face or between the belly button and pubic area.
- Changes in menstrual periods and enlargement of the clitoris
- New acne
A skin biopsy or other procedures or blood tests may be used to diagnose skin disorders that cause hair loss.
Looking at the hair under a microsope may be done to check for arsenic or lead. Looking at the hair this way does not accurately diagnose nutritional problems.
TreatmentThe hair loss in female pattern baldness is permanent, if not treated. In most cases, hair loss is mild to moderate. You do not need treatment if you are comfortable with your appearance.
MEDICATION
The only medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil. It is applied to the scalp.
- For women, the 2% concentration is recommended.
- Minoxidil may help hair grow in about 1 in 4 or 5 of women. In most women it may slow or stop hair loss.
- You must continue to use this medicine for a long time. Hair loss starts again when you stop using it.
If minoxidil does not work, your doctor may recommend a medicine called spironolactone, taken by mouth:
- Spironolactone may help if your hair loss is caused by too much androgen, a male hormone.
- The drug is not FDA-approved for female baldness.
- It can cause increased potassium levels in the blood. It should not be used in women with kidney failure or who are pregnant.
HAIR TRANSPLANTS
Hair transplants remove tiny plugs of hair from areas where hair is thicker, and place them in areas that are balding. This can cause minor scarring where the hair is removed, and carries a slight risk for skin infection. You will likely need many transplants. This can be expensive. However, the results are often excellent and permanent.
The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.
Stitching (suturing) hair pieces to the scalp is not recommended. It can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp.
Hair weaving, hairpieces, or a change in hairstyle may disguise hair loss and improve your appearance. This is often the least expensive and safest way to deal with female pattern baldness.
Expectations (prognosis)Female pattern baldness is usually not a sign of an underlying medical disorder.
Some women say it the baldness affects their self-esteem and may cause anxiety.
Hair loss is usually permanent.
Calling your health care providerCall your doctor or nurse if you have hair loss and it continues, especially if you also have itching, skin irritation, or other symptoms. There might be a treatable medical cause for the hair loss.
PreventionThere is no known prevention for female pattern baldness.
ReferencesHabif TP. Hair diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 24.
Mousney AL, Reed SW. Diagnosis and treating hair loss. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80:356-362.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/26/2012
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What type of genetic disorder is male pattern baldness?
Androgenic alopetia (Male Pattern Baldness) is caused by a genetic sensitivity (of hair follacles) to DHT (dihydrotestosterone, I think), an androgen that controlls sex drive and hair reproduction and is rampant/necessary at birth and puberty, this sensitivity cause follicles to shink, preventing proper growth of hair, and shortening the overall lifespan of said follicles.
Where can one find information on female baldness?
One can get information on female baldness by going to an online resource such as WebMD. One can also contact their doctor as many doctors will known about balding patterns in different genders.
To control the hair losing what can you i do how can i control it there is any treatment?
Well, you don't say whether you're a man or a woman, but the first thing might be to see your doctor, some medical conditions (and some drugs) can cause hair loss. I work at a hair treatment clinic and the main conditions we see are male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, and alopecia areata. Male pattern baldness you are probably familiar with .. receding temples, bald spot, leading to being bald 'on top'. That tends to be treated with a combination of Propecia and Minoxidil. Female pattern baldness is a thinning of the hair over the top of the scalp, treated with Minoxidil. Alopecia areata is often seen as bald spots, which might grow back or grow bigger. That's thought of as an auto-immune problem.
Can women with thinning hair - female pattern baldness - get a buzz cut?
if a man can get a buzzcut so can a women they look just as good on a woman than as a man so the answer is yes and is recommended
What is bigger male or female golden eagle?
Females are slightly larger, other than that they are identical.
If your hair loss will it grow again?
It depends upon the cause of treatment and stage that the hair is in. If the cause of your hair is DHT - female or male pattern baldness, then it is likely that it will grow back, but in smaller and smaller amounts each time.
Is neyo bald?
ITs a genenic trait, he prolly inherited from his dad, "Baldness involves the state of lacking hair where it often grows, especially on the head. The most common form of baldness is a progressive hair thinning condition called androgenic alopecia or "male pattern baldness" that occurs in adult male humans and other species. The amount and patterns of baldness can vary greatly; it ranges from male and female pattern alopecia (androgenic alopecia, also called androgenetic alopecia or alopecia androgenetica), alopecia areata, which involves the loss of some of the hair from the head, and alopecia totalis, which involves the loss of all head hair, to the most extreme form, alopecia universalis, which involves the loss of all hair from the head and the body"
What is female pattern baldness?
Female Pattern BaldnessMale pattern hair loss usually begins with a receding hairline and then the hair at the top of the head and at the back starts to go. But in female pattern baldness, the hair loss starts with general thinning all over the scalp with the most hair loss at the crown of the head. Although the hairline remains almost intact, the hair behind the hairline starts to thin and results in a bald spot.Genetics is the main cause of female pattern baldness and it can come from either side of the family. As with male baldness, the chief culprit remains dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a chemical that binds to the hair follicles and causes them to die. But the degree of baldness differs in women as compared to men because of the protection provided by the female hormone estrogen.There are also other factors responsible for female pattern baldness, namely:Physical Stress: During a severe illness and surgeries, the body focuses its energy towards making the body strong and thus shuts down the production of hair as that is not a life-threatening situation. Normally, after the physical stress is dealt with, hair growth re-starts but could take 9 months to a year for any noticeable difference.Emotional Anxiety: Severe emotional stress, such as caused by a death in the family or mental instability can also lead to female pattern baldness.Hormonal Changes: This is another cause for hair loss in women. Hormonal changes that happen during Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD) can cause hair loss. Similarly, pregnancy and using birth control pills also cause hormonal changes, which can lead to hair loss. But most of these can easily be corrected by proper medication.Diet: Females are more prone to dieting than men. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are also more rampant in women. These eating habits lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can then lead to hair loss.Medication: Excessive doses of vitamin A, anti-thyroid medicines, and hypertension medicines are also known to cause hair loss in women.Other Health Conditions: Thyroid problems, lupus, and diabetes can accelerate hair loss. Obviously, these need to be diagnosed by a physician.Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition characterized by circular patches of baldness. Basically, the body is attacking the hair follicles.Too much hair styling: If you manipulate your hair too much, color and treat too much, blow dry and heat with curling irons and hot rollers too much, you will see increased hair loss.
What is an example of a sex limited trait?
The traits which are influenced by the sex are called sex limited traits. These traits are just limited to one sex, either in male or female. For example, the genes for pattern baldness are present in both the sexes but expresses more in male as compare to female.
What is it when males and females show different phenotypes but have the same genotype?
Sex-influenced traits will have different expressions in males and females. An example of this would be pattern baldness. If a male is heterozygous for this trait, he will most likely go bald. However, if a female is heterozygous, she will not usually lose her hair.
What does it mean for a disorder to be sex-linked?
Sex-linked means it is transmetted to children by only one parent -- usually carried by the female but exhibited by the male children. Male pattern baldness is such a sex-linked trait. This answer is not complete, but to go further would require I explain chromosomes
Cross a heterogeneous normal female with a bald male What percent of the male children will be bald?
I'm assuming you are referring to humans and pattern baldness commonly experienced in males. I can't directly answer thisquestion and I dont think a geneticist cud either. The reason why follows: The baldness gene can also be carried by the female and passed to her sons irespective of the fathers condition. This is why it is quite common to see early pattern baldness in young men as inherited from the maternal grandfather. In spite of this my mother has very thick hair and her father was very bald. My father has very fine hair but only receded with age. At almost 40 it would appear I have my mothers thick black hair but only receding a little like my father with age. So it is a highly complex genetic picture because the gene governing the thickness of the mother and fathers hair is probably also a determining factor and the baldness gene wud seem to be independent of hair colour and thickness suggesting any combination of hair genetics cud be potentially inherited. As I have hinted, there is a greater chance of the baldness gene being inherited from the mother than the father and this raises the complexity of GAGP YAN WALA.
