When women lose their hair, it is known as female pattern baldness. Female pattern baldness is also known as alopecia, or androgenetic alopecia. Alopecia can occur in both men and women. When men have alopecia, it is called male pattern baldness. Female pattern baldness is characterized by an unusual thinning of hair or bald patches and in women, the condition usually occurs on the top of the head. It does not occur along the hairline. As we age it is natural for us as humans to lose our hair and for our hair to thin. Female pattern baldness is different from male pattern baldness in that female pattern baldness usually causes thinning on the top of the head, but it does not cause complete baldness as it does with male pattern baldness.

It is estimated that about 13 percent of premenopausal women have some hair loss. After menopause, hair thinning increases significantly. By the age of 65, one in four women has alopecia. What causes female pattern baldness? It is unclear as to exactly what causes female pattern baldness, however, some believe it could be related to aging, changes in the levels of androgens (male hormones), or a family history of male or female pattern baldness. In regards to changes in the levels of androgens, after women hit menopause, many of them discover that they have thinner hair on their head than before going into menopause. Women who go into menopause may also find that the hair on their face is coarser too.

The signs and symptoms of female pattern baldness is different from the signs and symptoms of male pattern baldness. The signs and symptoms of female pattern baldness include hair thinning that mainly appears on the top and crown of the scalp. This hair thinning usually begins with a widening down the center of the hair part. The front hairline is not unaffected. The only thing that may be seen is a recession, which is normal for us as we age. Lastly, the hair loss that women experience usually does not develop into complete or near complete baldness. This usually only happens in men with male pattern baldness.

What are the treatment options for female pattern baldness? Female pattern baldness is permanent if it is not treated. In most women, the hair loss they experience is usually mild to moderate, and they never go completely bald. The treatment options available include medication and a hair transplant. One medication available is called minoxidil, which has been approved by the FDA. Minoxidil is applied to the scalp and may help hair grow in about 1 in 4 or 5 of women. In most women, it may slow or stop hair loss. If you stop taking it however, you usually begin to lose your hair again. Other medications for female pattern baldness may include spironolactone, cimetidine, birth control pills, and ketoconazole.