Your Essential Guide to Female Pattern Hair Loss
Doctor’s Note
Let’s kick off our Female Pattern Hair Loss Education Series with our “101” intro video. It has a little bit of everything you need to know, including causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Click to your right, or skim the video’s highlights below!
What is Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common type of hair loss that affects women. It usually starts with thinning at the part line and can spread across the top of the head. Unlike men, women typically don't lose all their hair in one spot. Instead, the hair becomes noticeably thinner over time. This condition can be distressing, but there are treatments available to help manage it.
Female Pattern Hair Loss Pictures
The main symptom of female pattern hair loss is the gradual thinning of hair on the scalp. Here are the key signs:
Thinning Hair: The hair on the top of your head starts to thin out, especially around the part line.
Widening Part: Your part may become wider as hair thins.
Overall Thinning: Unlike male pattern baldness, women usually don't have complete bald spots. Instead, the hair thins uniformly.
Hair Loss at Temples: Some women may notice thinning around the temples.
More Hair Shedding: You might see more hair falling out when you brush or wash your hair.
When assessing hair shedding, it's important to distinguish between normal hair loss and potential signs of an underlying condition like androgenetic alopecia or Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). Normally, it's common to shed between 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, if you notice an increase in hair shedding, thinning patches, particularly at the crown or temples, or more hair accumulating on your hairbrush, pillow, or in the shower drain, these could be indicators of a more significant issue. Additionally, a widening of the part in your hair or a noticeable decrease in the overall volume of your hair are key signs to watch for.
What Causes Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that plays a crucial role in Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). It is derived from testosterone and contributes to the miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to the characteristic thinning of hair. What are other causes of this hair miniaturization? Aging, genetics, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), stress, diet, medications, and hormonal shifts (ie menopause). FPHL is more common in older women, but this condition affects plenty of younger women as well!
The exact cause of female pattern hair loss isn't entirely understood, but several factors can contribute to it:
Genetics: If hair loss runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience it.
Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones, such as during menopause, can trigger hair loss.
Aging: As you age, hair growth slows down and hair strands become thinner and less pigmented.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect hair growth.
Medications: Certain medications, including some used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure, can cause hair loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron and protein can contribute to hair loss.
How is Female Pattern Hair Loss Diagnosed?
To diagnose female pattern hair loss, your doctor will:
Examine Your Scalp: They’ll look for the pattern of hair loss.
Medical History: They’ll ask about your medical history, including any family history of hair loss.
Blood Tests: These can help rule out other causes of hair loss, such as thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies.
Scalp Biopsy: In some cases, your doctor might take a small sample of your scalp skin to examine under a microscope.
What Makes Female Pattern Hair Loss Worse?
Several factors can worsen female pattern hair loss, including:
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and stopping birth control pills can all trigger or worsen hair loss.
Stress: High levels of stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Poor Nutrition: Not getting enough vitamins and minerals can make hair loss worse.
Harsh Hair Treatments: Frequent use of hair dyes, perms, and straighteners can damage your hair and scalp.
Health Conditions: Underlying health issues like thyroid problems can exacerbate hair loss.
What Makes Female Pattern Hair Loss Better?
To manage female pattern hair loss, you can:
Use Gentle Hair Care: Avoid harsh treatments and use gentle shampoos and conditioners.
Improve Your Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Consult a Doctor: Seek medical advice for appropriate treatments.
Avoid Heat Styling: Limit the use of hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
See a Doctor: Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Follow Treatment Plans: Use prescribed treatments as directed by your doctor.
Gentle Hair Care Routine: Use mild shampoos and conditioners. Avoid over-washing your hair.
Balanced Diet: Eat foods rich in essential nutrients like iron, protein, and vitamins.
Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine.
Avoid Harsh Treatments: Limit the use of chemical hair treatments and heat styling tools.
Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with regular doctor visits to monitor your hair loss and adjust treatments if necessary.
Best Products for Female Pattern Hair Loss
Some over-the-counter products can help manage female pattern hair loss. Look for:
Minoxidil: An FDA-approved topical treatment that promotes hair growth.
DHT-Blocking Shampoos: Shampoos that help reduce the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.
Volumizing Shampoos and Conditioners: These can make your hair look thicker and fuller.
Viviscal
Viviscal is a 2-pill per day supplement to enhance hair growth. Its signature ingredient is the “AminoMar Marine Collagen Complex” to promote healthy hair.
Nutrafol
Nutrafol is a 4-pill per day supplement with many ingredients to increase hair growth, including marine collagen.
Toppik
Toppik is a topical hair building fiber that instantly thickens hair by clinging to existing strands.
Rogaine
Over-the-Counter
Mechanism: Increases blood flow to hair follicles
Side Effects: Initial shed, Irritation, Increased hair on face, body
If your hair loss is getting worse, it’s best to go to the dermatologist to explore prescriptions and procedures. Read on for more details!
Treatment Overview
Treating Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) typically involves a long-term commitment to hair care regimens, often >6 months to see noticeable results. Many treatments focus on the use of topical products, such as minoxidil, which require consistent application over an extended period to effectively stimulate hair growth. The slow and gradual nature of these treatments means that patience and persistence are essential. It's important for individuals to manage expectations and understand that regrowth can be a slow process. Regular use of these products is crucial, as discontinuing treatment can lead to the cessation of new hair growth and potential resumption of hair loss.
Best Prescriptions for Female Pattern Hair Loss
Your doctor might prescribe stronger treatments for female pattern hair loss, such as:
Minoxidil: A topical treatment that helps stimulate hair growth.
Finasteride: An oral medication that can reduce hair loss in some women (though it's more commonly used in men).
Spironolactone: A medication that helps reduce hair loss by lowering androgen levels in the body.
Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills can help balance hormones that might be contributing to hair loss.
Spironolactone
Rx only
Mechanism: Reduces DHT hormone
(Originally developed as diuretic - see side effects)
Side Effects: Low blood pressure, Headache, Menstrual irregularities, High potassium
Avoid pregnancy!
Finasteride
Rx only
Mechanism: Reduces DHT hormone
Used in postmenopausal women due to pregnancy risk
Side Effects: None
Minoxidil
Rx only
Mechanism: Increases blood flow to hair follicles
(Originally developed for high blood pressure - see side effects)
Side Effects: Low blood pressure, High heart rate, Leg swelling
Wigs
Rx sometimes
You can possibly get a wig (“cranial prosthesis”) covered by insurance.
Best Procedures for Female Pattern Hair Loss
Several procedures can help treat female pattern hair loss:
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses light to stimulate hair growth. It’s non-invasive and can be done at home or in a clinic.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A treatment where your own blood is processed to extract platelets, which are then injected into your scalp to promote hair growth.
Hair Transplant Surgery: A surgical procedure where hair follicles are taken from one part of your body and transplanted to the thinning areas on your scalp.
Microneedling: A procedure that involves tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
We draw blood from your arm, spin it down, and inject into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles.
Female Pattern Hair Loss FAQs
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be caused by deficiencies in vitamins like Vitamin D, iron, and B12. These nutrients are important for hair health, and not getting enough of them can lead to thinning or shedding hair.
Why Is My Hair Falling Out as a Teenage Girl?
Hair loss in teenage girls can be due to several factors, including stress, hormonal changes, poor diet, or certain medications. It's important to speak to a healthcare provider to figure out the exact cause and find the best treatment.
What Does 100 Hairs Look Like?
Losing 100 hairs a day is normal, and it might look like a small clump of hair when collected. This amount of shedding is usually not noticeable unless you're looking closely at your hairbrush or shower drain.
Can a Dermatologist Help with Hair Loss?
Yes, a dermatologist can help with hair loss. They can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend treatments like topical solutions, medications, or even procedures to help regrow hair.
How to Reduce Hair Shedding?
To reduce hair shedding, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, avoid harsh hair treatments, and use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos. Regular scalp massages can also help improve circulation to your hair follicles.
What Does Balding Look Like?
Balding often starts with thinning hair on the crown of the head or a receding hairline. Over time, these areas may become more noticeable as the hair continues to thin and fall out.
Can Women Use Minoxidil?
Yes, women can use minoxidil. It's a common treatment for hair loss that can help stimulate hair growth. It's available in over-the-counter forms like Rogaine, and many women find it effective for treating thinning hair.
Does Testosterone Increase in Women Cause Hair Loss?
An increase in testosterone in women can cause hair loss, especially if it leads to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This type of hair loss is often called androgenic alopecia and typically affects the hairline and crown.
How to Regrow Hair on a Bald Spot Fast?
Regrowing hair on a bald spot quickly can be challenging. Treatments like minoxidil, corticosteroid injections, or microneedling might help. It's best to consult a dermatologist for a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Does Rogaine for Women Work?
Yes, Rogaine for women can work to regrow hair and slow down hair loss. It's especially effective for treating hereditary hair thinning or baldness, but results can vary from person to person.
Why Is My Hair Thinning at 20?
Hair thinning at 20 can be due to genetics, stress, hormonal changes, or even diet. If you're noticing significant hair loss, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist to determine the cause and explore treatment options.
Can Baldness Be Reversed?
In some cases, baldness can be slowed or even partially reversed, especially if treatment begins early. Options include medications like minoxidil or finasteride, hair transplants, and lifestyle changes to promote hair health.
Does Weight Loss Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, rapid weight loss or restrictive diets can cause hair loss because your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy hair. Ensuring a balanced diet during weight loss can help minimize this risk.
What Doctor to See for Hair Loss?
If you're experiencing hair loss, you should see a dermatologist. They specialize in skin, hair, and nails and can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your hair loss.