Female Pattern Hair Loss

For many decades, doctors believed that androgenic alopecia was the primary cause of balding in both men and women. Today however we know that, for women, this is not true. We do not use the term 'androgenic alopecia' in women anymore; instead we call it 'female pattern hair loss', a much broader term that encompasses many possible causes.
The scientific explanation for female pattern hair loss is still incompletely understood and there is evidence that hormone receptors and blockers as well as many other types of enzymes may be at work in women. 

One clue that there is a definite difference between male and female balding is the pattern in which the hair loss occurs. Female pattern balding goes on around the whole top of the head and is ‘diffuse’. The hairline stays in place with varying degrees of diffuse loss over the top of the scalp. This loss can range from being barely noticeable to an almost bald appearance. These illustrations illustrate the Ludwig Scale of female pattern hair loss:

The Ludwig Classification describes three stages of genetically-based, female pattern hair loss: Type I (mild), Type II (moderate), and Type III (extensive). In all three Ludwig stages, there is hair loss on the front and top of the scalp with relative preservation of the frontal hairline. The back and sides of the scalp may or may not be affected.

Type I. Early thinning that can be easily camouflaged with proper grooming.

Type II. Significant widening of the midline parting and noticeably decreased volume.

Type III. A thin, see-through look on the top of the scalp. This is often associated with generalised thinning.

Treatment

Following investigation and diagnosis, we will recommend a course of treatment, normally combining advice and trichological medication – although, in the most severe cases, a course of hair replacement surgery may also be appropriate. Many women can be helped by hair transplant surgery and as with men, hair is taken from the donor area at the back of the head and transferred into the areas of hair loss.

In female pattern balding, hair transplant surgery will place enough hair back into the thinning area to create a normal appearance of fullness – and a volume of hair that can be styled easily. This helps restore confidence in appearance and greater ease in both social and family settings.