What is female pattern hair loss?
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a specific type of hair loss that occurs progressively, and following a recognized pattern, in women who are genetically predisposed to the condition. This type of hair loss can happen at any age and is usually associated with hormonal changes. An estimated 10% of pre-menopausal women will have some signs of female pattern hair loss during their lives and that figure increases to 40% by the age of 50. It is the biggest reason why women in their 40s and 50s experience hair loss.
Why does female pattern hair loss happen?
Hormones have a significant impact on hair growth and hair shedding. When levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop and androgens, such as testosterone, become relatively dominant, this can lead to female pattern hair loss.
Conditions that can lead to these hormonal changes include:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) — when the ovaries produce unusually high levels of androgens
- Perimenopause and menopause — when levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, leading to relatively higher levels of androgens
- Contraceptive pills — this is less common but certain pills contain a type of progesterone that, when metabolised by the body, can behave like androgens
- Any other condition where hormone levels are disrupted and, as a result, androgens are present at relatively higher levels
What does female pattern hair loss look like?
Typically female pattern hair loss shows up in a very distinctive pattern, where hair is progressively lost from the crown of the head towards the front. This is because the follicles in these areas are sensitive to hormone fluctuations, unlike those on the back of the scalp which do not have androgen receptors and so aren’t affected by hormonal changes.
Women most frequently notice this pattern as a widening of the centre parting, and the severity of hair loss is graded on a five-point scale, known as the Sinclair scale, with one being the earliest stage and five being the most advanced.
Is female pattern hair loss reversible?
Yes. The sooner you start treating hair loss, the more successful the treatment is likely to be but the drug, Minoxidil, has been proven to help stop this type of hair loss, and can even reverse it.
Minoxidil works by improving the circulation around the hair follicle and consequently the supply of blood and nutrients to each follicle, which can keep each hair in the growth phase for longer, resulting in longer, thicker hair. It is further thought to support and encourage the growth of new hairs, and may also have an anti-androgenic effect.
Minoxidil is available topically (designed to apply directly to the scalp) without prescription at concentrations of 2% and 5% but it can be prescribed at higher concentrations by a doctor.
Here at DOSE, we think we offer the best of all worlds as DOSE F1 and DOSE F2. our products designed for female pattern hair loss, don’t just include Minoxidil at a higher strength than you can buy over the counter, but we also blend it with clinically-proven active ingredients that work alongside it to improve the health of your hair and your scalp. If you think you have female pattern hair loss and want to find out which DOSE is right for you, take our online consultation.
Can anything else help with female pattern hair loss?
There are certain lifestyle tweaks that anyone managing hair loss might want to consider.
These include:
- eating a healthy balanced diet
- managing, and reducing, stress
- caring for your scalp
