Female-pattern baldness

Alternative names:

alopecia in women; androgenic alopecia in women; baldness - female; hair loss in women

Treatment:

The hair loss of female-pattern baldness is permanent. The hair loss is usually mild to moderate. No treatment is required if the person is comfortable with her appearance.

The only drug or medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female-pattern baldness is minoxidil, used topically on the scalp. It may help hair to grow in 40% of the population, and in 90% it may slow the loss of hair. Treatment is expensive, however, costing about $600 per year for the recommended twice per day use. Hair loss recurs when its use is stopped.

Hair transplants consist of removal of tiny plugs of hair from areas where the hair is continuing to grow and placing them in areas that are balding. This can cause minor scarring in the donor areas, and carries a modest risk for skin infection. The procedure usually requires multiple transplantation sessions and may be expensive.

Suturing of hair pieces to the scalp is not recommended as it can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp or brain. The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.

Hair weaving, hair pieces, or change of hair style may disguise the hair loss and improve the cosmetic appearance. This is often the least expensive and safest method of treating female-pattern baldness.

Expectations (prognosis):

Female pattern baldness is of cosmetic importance only and does not indicate a medical disorder, but it may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety. The hair loss is usually permanent.

Complications:

Complications are psychological stress and a loss of self esteem from change in the patient's appearance.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if hair loss occurs and persists (there could be a treatable medical cause for the hair loss).

Also call if female-pattern baldness is present and there is a desire to treat the hair loss; or if hair loss is accompanied by itching, skin irritation, or other symptoms.